Thomas Mann – In the Burning Landscape of Democracy

In 2025, we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Thomas Mann's birth. His novels and stories have long been considered classics of German literature. But what about his speeches and essays defending democracy and opposing the Nazi regime, totalitarianism and dictatorship? They are more relevant than ever!

What does Thomas Mann have to say to us today?

Thomas Mann – In the Burning Landscape of Democracy. Life. Politics. Present

This multimedia exhibition is dedicated to Thomas Mann's formative years in Munich – beginning with his enrolment as an ‘auditor’ at the Technical University, whose influence extended into his later work. A special focus is placed on Mann's political engagement: his commitment to the republic (written in Munich in 1922) marked the beginning of his years of resistance against the nazi regime – first in Germany and later in exile in the USA. This arc makes a connection to current social issues.

About the project:

On the occasion of Thomas Mann's 150th birthday, the TUM Center for Culture and Arts and Thomas Mann Forum Munich e.V. is realizing a unique, interdisciplinary project focusing on Thomas Mann's commitment to democracy and his courageous resistance against the Nazi Regime– and what we can learn from this in the ‘burning landscape’ of our present day.

The overall project comprises four interlinked components:

• an exhibition at the TUM-Immatrikulationshalle (December 8 - January 15),
• an academic symposium (November 3),
• an accompanying publication
• the guest performance "Zauberberg :: Expedition in die Gegenwart", an immersive VR theater production (early 2026, date tba).
• an accompanying program 

The overall project is supported by the TUM University Foundation and the "Arts meets Tech" fund of the Bavarian State Parliament. We would like to thank the Carl Friedrich von Siemens Foundation for hosting the symposium.