Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt

21 November 2019 - 19 April 2020

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• Reisetagebücher von Alexander von Humboldt: 4.000 Seiten in Leder eingefasst, Datierung: 1799-1804

The exhibition "Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt" at the German Historical Museum in Berlin is dedicated to the very different ways of life of Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt.

Their biographies of the brothers are marked by the contrasts of their time: The image of human equality that was developed in the Enlightenment is opposed by the existence of colonialism and slavery. The rediscovery of nature also goes hand in hand with its domination and destruction. International exchange and cooperation do not prevent national demarcation.

First major exhibition on both Humboldt brothers in Germany.

The German Historical Museum presents the first major exhibition on Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt in Germany. With around 350 objects, curators Bénédicte Savoy and David Blankenstein look from a transnational perspective at the social, political and scientific negotiating and design spaces that have opened up for the Humboldt brothers and their generation since the late 18th century. The exhibition "Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt" places the two as Europeans in the context of their time. It looks at social and political spaces for negotiation and design, investigates the relationship between knowledge and power, and sheds light on how historical awareness, politics, science and business change the perspective on man and his environment. Questions arise about the topicality and evaluation of their attitudes and actions in our time.

At a glance

What: Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt
When: 21 November 2019 to 19 April 2020
Where:Deutsches Historisches Museum
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on 24 December
Entry fee: 8 Euro, red. 4 Euro