Expansion Desired at Gunter-Grass-House, Lübeck: A Yearning for More Room Abounds
Revamped and Reborn: The Günter Grass House
Stepping into the realms of the literary titan, Günter Grass, the Günter Grass House in Lübeck invites you to a thought-provoking event on Monday, April 14. Titled "Grass For Future," this soiree delves into the societal themes that resonated with Grass, particularly environmental conservation, which remain timeless and relevant. Actress Katharina Thalbach, famed for her role in the 1979 film adaptation of "The Tin Drum," will captivate with her reading from the novel "The Rat."
A Timeless Visionary: Grass and his Writings
Born on October 16, 1927, in Danzig, and adopting Lübeck as his home for 20 years before his passing on April 13, 2015, Günter Grass left an indelible mark on the world of literature. The Günter Grass House, nestled in the heart of Lübeck's city center, serves as a testament to his legacy, showcasing a blend of genuine artifacts and interactive media in its redesigned permanent exhibition. Günter Grass was a man ahead of his time, with contemporary issues like right-wing radicalism, democracy defense, displacement, and environmental protection now garnering significant interest among younger generations[1].
Grass: The Multifaceted Moralist
Grass's intriguing storytelling and political activism established him as one of the most vital voices of the post-war era[2].
The Günter Grass House: A Standalone Spirit
Although inextricably linked to the literary luminary, the Grass House maintains its identity, says director Jörg-Philipp Thomsa. "Grass never dictated our course, but he encouraged us to break new ground, particularly in catering to children and unconventional audiences."
Over the past two decades, the Günter Grass House has evolved, becoming increasingly interactive and accessible[1]. When Thomsa first visited in 2005 as a tourist, he was reprimanded for being too loud – the house felt like a temple. His first act as director was to host a children's festival to demonstrate that playfulness and interaction are not only welcome but also in line with Grass's values, as he had 18 grandchildren[1].
Amidst Greenery: Exhibitions at the Grass House
In 2021, the Günter Grass House hosted an exhibition centered around the forest theme: "Into the Trees." Ornithologist and DJ Dominik Eulberg played a significant role in this open-air event in Lübeck. Grass had long recognized the value of forests, as he expressed in the 1980s, "If we let the forest die, words lose their meaning." In 2023, food took center stage in the exhibition "Grass cooks," with chef Johan Lafer preparing dishes inspired by Grass's novels[3].
Exploring Dance Through Grass
Grass's passion for dance extends beyond his words, and the upcoming exhibition at the Grass House, titled "Grass Dance Bar," is testament to this.
This eclectic institution, rich in history and creativity, never fails to surprise visitors with fresh ideas and engaging exhibitions[3].
[1] [2] [3] Enrichment Data:- In June 2025, the Günter Grass House will feature a special exhibition titled "ELSE LASKER-SCHÜLER – Künstlerin, Dichterin, Weltenbauerin." This event highlights Else Lasker-Schüler's contributions to literature and art as an artist, poet, and world-builder[3].
- The understated eloquence of Günter Grass continues to resonate in the literary sphere, as evidenced by the engaging exhibitions at the Günter Grass House.
- Beyond the pages of his books, Grass's passion for environmental preservation is showcased through exhibitions like "Into the Trees" and "Grass cooks," held at the Günter Grass House.
- In 2025, their collections will expand to include a special exhibition on Else Lasker-Schüler, showcasing her contributions to literature and art as a poet, artist, and sculptor.
- For the fashion-conscious, the Günter Grass House offers insights into his lifestyle and pop-culture impact, delivering a unique blend of education, self-development, and entertainment.
- As an extension of his multifaceted nature, the Günter Grass House also explores the themes of relationships, relationships, and travel in its exhibitions, providing an immersive dive into the life and thoughts of the celebrated author.
- Readers and enthusiasts find solace in the library's rich collection of books, educational materials, and guided learning experiences, all drawn from the life and works of the iconic Mr. Grass, a timeless figure in the annals of literature and culture.