“The Unknown Familiar. Hans Christian Andersen”, July 24 to November 30, 2025
Exhibition celebrating the 220th Birthday and 150th Anniversary of the Danish Author’s Death
“Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale,” wrote Danish author Hans Christian Andersen about his own life. Known worldwide for classics like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Snow Queen”, Andersen remains a literary icon. But what exactly makes his work so timeless and captivating? Why do cheeky children appear so often in Andersen’s stories? What is a “Kunstmärchen” (art fairy tale)? And what deeper meanings lie behind toys, matches, and transformation in his tales? These and other questions are explored creatively through interactive stations designed to bring Andersen’s themes to life. In addition to a Collage Station, where visitors can create visual responses to fairy tales, there is also a Spinning Wheel of Tales, where they can match up stories and motifs, a Magnetic Puzzle Wall inviting those interested in exploring Andersen-themed riddles, and a Dress-up Corner, where children can experience the theme of transformation through costumes.
The exhibit was co-developed by students of Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Scandinavian Studies, and German Studies at Goethe University Frankfurt as part of the interdisciplinary seminar “Exhibiting Andersen”. Led by Prof. Frederike Felcht and Dr. Astrid Henning-Mohr, in cooperation with Struwwelpeter Museum Director Beate Zekorn-von Bebenburg, the team created a playful, interactive journey through Andersen’s storytelling universe.
Picture: Andersen Porträt_1865_Fotograf_H. Tileman. Det Kgl. Bibliotek
