Literary Munich: Discover Thomas Mann at Monacensia!

Literary Munich: Discover Thomas Mann at Monacensia!

A fascinating exhibition is currently being presented in Munich that focuses on literary icons and their influence on the city's cultural life. The exhibition entitled "Literary Munich at the Time of Thomas Mann. From Bohemianism to Exile" can be viewed in the literary archive of the city of Munich, the Monacensia, until December 30, 2025. Here, literary life from the dawn of modernity around 1900 to the end of the Second World War is comprehensively examined. These include major events such as the First World War, the Weimar Republic and the exile of many authors by the Nazi regime. That reported isarblog.

The exhibition not only shows the dark sides of history, but also the creative optimism of the Schwabing bohème. On two desks and in four showcases, visitors can discover documents, photos as well as sound and film recordings that bring the theme of the exhibition to life. Among the writers shown are greats such as Thomas Mann, Erika Mann, Klaus Mann and Oskar Maria Graf, all of whom have shaped the literary landscape of our time in their own way. The curator Dr. Elisabeth Tworek, who headed the Monacensia until 2018, has shown a good knack for putting together the treasures of the past.

A journey through literary history

Thomas Mann lived in Munich for almost four decades (1875–1955). During this time he married Katia Pringsheim and created many key works that made him world famous. The exhibition also addresses the interactions between high culture and popular entertainment during the Weimar Republic. Here, visitors are introduced to the city's literary heritage, which still leaves its mark today. Mon-Mag reports that the exhibition dossier will be supplemented with new articles in order to do justice to the current relevance of the topics.

Visitors to the Monacensia are warmly invited to take part in a literary walk or a tour through Alt-Bogenhausen. These offers offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the city from the perspective of its literary history and be inspired.

Practical information

The Monacensia is located at Maria-Theresia-Straße 23, Bogenhausen, and has the following opening times:

• Montag bis Mittwoch: 9:30 – 17:30 Uhr
• Donnerstag: 12 – 19 Uhr
• Samstag und Sonntag: 11 – 18 Uhr

Parallel to the Thomas Mann exhibition, there is also a permanent exhibition entitled “Maria Theresia 23. Biography of a Munich Villa”, which provides another interesting look into the history of the city.

Munich's literary heritage is not only important for literature enthusiasts, but also offers general insights into social developments and cultural trends. The city remains an important place for engaging with literature and history, which makes it particularly attractive for locals and tourists alike.