Marienthal Mansion in Schweina, a small village near the Thuringen city, Bad Liebenstein, is a building of historic importance and belongs to the most important of the Fröbel places of interest. 

At the end of the 15^th century, a two-storeyed manor farm was built on the site, following a strictly symmetrical, classical design. In the 16^th century, the building was transformed into a Renaissance-style stately home by its new owner. In the following centuries, ownership of the mansion changed hands several times, until it was finally taken over in 1833 by the tax office of the Sachsen-Meiningen dukedom. In 1850, the mansion was given to Friedrich Fröbel for use as his home and as a training facility.

In the same year, Fröbel founded the world’s first kindergarten teacher training school at the mansion – his “Facility for Holistic Life Practice through Developed and Nurturing Education” (“Anstalt für allseitige Lebenseinigung durch entwickelnd-erziehende Menschenbildung”). Following their studies, graduates of the school helped to publicise Fröbel’s ideas throughout Germany and the world. Alongside his training courses, Fröbel also organised education conferences at the mansion and produced a pedagogic newspaper.

Fröbel died on June 21, 1852 in Marienthal and was buried in Schweina. A memorial plaque is affixed to the house in his memory.

In 1924, Walter Gropius - the founder of the Bauhaus movement – presented his idea for an Activity and Seminar Facility with a research institute, kindergarten and retirement home for former kindergarten teachers. Unfortunately, his plans were never realised. Today, the mansion is owned privately and tours of the complex are not permitted. However, it is possible to view the mansion from the street, and the circular trail “Following Fröbel's Footsteps In and Around Bad Liebenstein" passes by the building.