| Themes
The museum is a communication forum for all those interested in the life
and works of Erich Kästner.
The museum's principal areas of interest are Kästner's early years
in Dresden and Leipzig, Kästner and the GDR, Kästner as a journalist
and film author as well as the Kästner reception and research.
The completed museum core presents an overview of Kästner's biography
with highlights of his works in the form of a selection of original first
editions. 12 columns, whose contents are chosen according to the concept
underlying the museum, open to reveal hands-on exhibits covering the following
themes:
- "Erich Kästner, a German from Saxony: Biography and place
of birth"
We are currently in the process of collecting exhibits documenting his
literary beginnings in Leipzig and Dresden to his autobiographic reflection.
The reception of his works in Saxony and the GDR is also covered in this
theme.
- "... The man between the chairs. Kästner - a reluctant
outsider"
This theme covers Erich Kästner's role as a moralist and critic of
society. Where does he belong? In his life and works, he defended bourgeois
values, and does not want to be an outsider; but the "others"
- society or other people - generally appear as in the role of opponents.
This includes the censorship during the Nazi dictatorship, the suppression
of his work and his relationship to selected others - e.g. women.
"You must be more like children ... Kästner's utopia"
The third theme covers children as the positive others in Kästner's
works. They assume his position as a "moralist", and justify
him - the outsider - and as the actual "insider". This theme
concentrates on children's literature, film and theater, as well as on
the concept of the "childish".
- "Kästner and the media"
This theme is concerned with the author's relationship to the media. Kästner's
modernity and skill in using the print media, radio, as well as the classic
visual media - especially film, in addition to the theatre and cabaret
are documented here.
The 13th column will contain originals only (manuscripts, photographs
of outstanding importance etc., which will give and impression of Kästner's
persona, and like the museum structure itself, will combine individual
facets to form a whole.
Our public events include traditional readings, talks and discussions
as well as experimental art events.
Contemporary artists are invited to enter their projects in the database
of the Erich Kästner Museum during brief working visits.
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