Exhibition and Virtual Highlights Celebrating the 220th Birthday and 150th Anniversary of the Danish Author’s Death – Interactive Concept Developed by Goethe University Students
“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?
To celebrate Andersen’s enduring legacy, the Struwwelpeter Museum in Frankfurt has launched the exhibition “The Unknown Familiar”, on view from July 24 to November 30, 2025.
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.
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.
Andersen’s fairy tales are presented within the literary setting of the childhood bedroom – the first place many of us encounter his work. The museum’s cozy attic ambiance enhances the immersive experience, making it feel like stepping into a storybook world.
On July 31 and August 14, 2025, at 3 PM, the museum hosts its holiday program “Magical Snip-Snip Tales”, spotlighting Andersen’s talents as a paper-cutting artist. After the exhibition tour, children can craft their own paper art. Onsite registration required at: info@struwwelpeter-museum.de
This exhibition is generously supported by the Georg and Franziska Speyer Academic Foundation and the Friends and Supporters of Goethe University.
