In the location's words:

The German-American Institute Heidelberg (DAI) is a cultural institution dedicated to the promotion of democracy and international understanding. One focus is the transatlantic dialog between Germany and America. The declared aim here is to encourage and support exchange and encounters with people and institutions in America and to promote academic debate about America.

As a "place of the free spirit", the central themes of science, literature and politics also form the pillars of the museum. Around half a million visitors attend the DAI's programs every year, and the Friends of the DAI Heidelberg e. V. has around 5,000 members. Lectures and readings, exhibitions, concerts and theater performances, seminars and conferences make up the DAI's cultural program.