Bibliotheken unter Druck – Ausstellung „Intellectual Freedom“

In the organizer's words:

From May 5 to 29, 2026, the Bücherhallen Hamburg will be a guest at the Millerntorwache with the exhibition "Intellectual Freedom - Forbidden, Removed, Discussed".

An open society is not only reflected in its elections - but also on its bookshelves. The "Intellectual Freedom" exhibition shows why this is the case and what happens when libraries are subjected to pressure and censorship.

It is dedicated to the phenomenon of "book bans" in the USA, which are removing more and more books from schools and libraries. However, this is not happening without a counter-movement: One example of this is the Chicago Public Library's "The Book Sanctuary" campaign, which aims to create a safe space for banned books. At the same time, the exhibition sheds light on censorship in libraries during the National Socialist era and describes current challenges facing public libraries using examples from Munich, Münster and Helsinki, among others.

The aim of the exhibition is to create a space for an open exchange, different perspectives and joint reflection on complex questions: Why are books banned or not offered? What issues are at the center of this? How can libraries act as places of openness, education and tolerance? And what does freedom of expression mean in democratic societies?

Visitors can actively help shape the exhibition and leave their own thoughts on topics such as censorship, democracy and freedom of expression - because we can only stand up for freedom of expression together.

The exhibition takes place at the Millerntorwache (Millerntorplatz 20, 20359 Hamburg). It will be open from May 5 to 29, 2026 from Tuesday to Saturday from 2 to 6 pm

The Millerntorwache is a branch of the Museum of Hamburg History under the direction of the Alfred Toepfer Foundation F.V.S.