When does the tour through the exhibition take place?

The public tour takes place on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM and lasts about one hour.

What does participation in the tour cost?

The tour and entry to the exhibition are free of charge.

Is registration required?

No, no registration is required for the public tour.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is the entrance area of the State Library Bamberg in the New Residence at Domplatz 8.

What are the opening hours for the exhibition?

The exhibition is open from September 14 to December 5, 2026, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

How can I reach the State Library Bamberg?

The State Library is located directly at Domplatz and is accessible by city bus line 910. The address is Neue Residenz, Domplatz 8, 96049 Bamberg.

E. T. A. Hoffmann global: Discover Fantastic Borders in Bamberg's New Residence

Name: E. T. A. Hoffmann global. Borders of Fantasy
Start: 2026-11-02T17:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-11-02T18:00:00+01:00
Location: Staatsbibliothek Bamberg

Borders of Fantasy: Discovering E. T. A. Hoffmann in Bamberg

E. T. A. Hoffmann lived in Bamberg for five years – a formative period in which the versatile artist made the transition from composer to writer. The exhibition E. T. A. Hoffmann global. Borders of Fantasy at the State Library of Bamberg highlights the international impact of one of the most significant authors of German Romanticism on the occasion of his 250th birthday.

An exhibition between literature, visual arts, and imagination

Hoffmann's fantastic characters remain part of cultural memory today: the brave Nutcracker, the vain Cat Murr, and the mysterious doll Olympia transcend the boundaries between reality and fantasy. The exhibition collects illustrated editions, artist graphics, and children's books, showcasing how differently his stories have been interpreted across generations.

Autographs, drawings, and musical traces

Examining his works provides insights into Hoffmann's artistic versatility. Autographs, drawings, and musical scores illustrate the close connection between literature, music, and the visual arts. In the baroque atmosphere of the New Residence, an artistic experience unfolds that makes Hoffmann's aesthetic experience as a boundary walker between the arts directly tangible.

Hoffmann's international impact

The exhibition title refers to the global reception of the writer. His texts were received early on in France and Russia and, from there, found readers all over the world. Contemporary artistic interpretations, comics, and graphic novels show how vibrant Hoffmann's fantastic imagery remains and how it continues to inspire new forms of cultural education.

Public tour on November 2, 2026

The one-hour public tour begins on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the entrance area of the State Library of Bamberg. The tour provides a focused introduction to the curation, themes, and exhibits of the exhibition. No registration is required; participation is free of charge.

An artistic experience in the New Residence

Between historical rooms, precious books, and imaginative worlds of images, a special exhibition atmosphere unfolds. Visitors encounter an author whose work transcends the boundaries of era, medium, and national culture. The exhibition combines art historical expertise with sensual artwork analysis and invites participants to re-measure their own imagination.

Conclusion

The tour through E. T. A. Hoffmann global. Borders of Fantasy promises an inspiring encounter with literary history, Romanticism, and visual imagination. Art and literature enthusiasts will experience how Hoffmann's characters and ideas continue to resonate into the present. Anyone wishing to rediscover Bamberg as a Hoffmann city and the aesthetic power of his fantasy should visit this free art experience live.