Exhibition extended
Thomas Mann – In the burning landscape of democracy
Event location
Akademie für Politische Bildung, Tutzing
Public event
Target audience
students,
employees,
publically
Presenter
TUM Center for Culture and Arts
After its successful presentation at TUM, the exhibition “Thomas Mann – In the Burning Landscape of Democracy” is being shown at the Akademie für Politische Bildung, Tutzing.
Thomas Mann’s novels and short stories have long been considered classics of German literature. But what about his speeches and essays in defense of democracy, his resistance to National Socialism, and his opposition to totalitarianism and dictatorship? They are more relevant than ever and offer answers within the “burning landscape” of our present.
What does Thomas Mann have to say to us today?
Thomas Mann – In the Burning Landscape of Democracy
Life. Politics. Present.
Through its diverse multimedia formats, the exhibition enters into dialogue with society about the threats to democracy in the past and present, reflecting today’s challenges alongside those of Thomas Mann’s time. At its core is his struggle against National Socialism and autocracy, from the 1920s in Munich to his departure from the United States in 1952 as a result of McCarthyism—always viewed in relation to our contemporary world. In this way, Thomas Mann’s experiences gain renewed relevance in the lived reality of our time.
Venue: Akademie für Politische Bildung (Buchensee 1, 82327 Tutzing)
Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Admission is free.
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. are 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 project is held under the patronage of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
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 programme
The overall project is supported by the TUM University Foundation and the Bavarian State Parliament. We would like to thank the Carl Friedrich von Siemens Foundation for hosting the symposium.
Additional information
How to find us
- Venue: Akademie für Politische Bildung, Tutzing