Few writers have been as completely transformed by their reception as E.T.A. Hoffmann (*1776, †1822). For more than two hundred years, his works have been translated into new languages and cultures, his texts illustrated and adapted into a diversity of forms. Even today, his multifaceted oeuvre continues to inspire artists from all over the globe, who approach Hoffmann with particular love and creativity.
Image gallery
Ausstellungsgraphik "Inventing E.T.A. Hoffmann (1776–2026)"
Stephan Klenner-Otto: Murr. Hornugsreuth, 2023 (Ausschnitt) In der Aquatinta-Radierung des Bamberger Künstlers und Illustrators Stefan Klenner-Otto (geb. 1959) erscheint E.T.A. Hoffmann als Mann im Mond, der liebevoll-streng auf seinen Kater Murr bl
To mark the 250th anniversary of his birth, Inventing E.T.A. Hoffmann (1776–2026) celebrates the imaginative energy of a global book culture that has shaped – and continues to shape – Hoffmann’s reception and reputation for almost a quarter of a millennium.
The exhibition presents unique illustrations and artists’ books, tells stories of exile and loss, and, with reference to Tomcat Murr, traces the origins of what we now call “cat content.”
Additional information
Exhibition space
Stabi Kulturwerk
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Unter den Linden 8
10117 Berlin
Opening hours
Wednesday till Sunday 10.00 – 18.00
Thursday 10.00 – 20.00
Closed on Monday and Tuesday Montag
! Due to maintenance work, Stabi Kulturwerk will be closed from March 4 to 6.
Free Admission
Stabi Kulturwerk
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Unter den Linden 8
10117 Berlin
Opening hours
Wednesday till Sunday 10.00 – 18.00
Thursday 10.00 – 20.00
Closed on Monday and Tuesday Montag
! Due to maintenance work, Stabi Kulturwerk will be closed from March 4 to 6.
Free Admission
Educational Services
Events and Guided tours and
Event (in German)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6 p.m.
(Broad) Canon at the Kulturwerk
A conversation about the exhibition of romantic authors
Further information and registration here.
Guided tours (in German)
Join exhibition curators Dennis Schäfer and Ursula Jäcker on a guided tour to learn about the diverse book culture that shapes and continually reinvents the image of writer E.T.A. Hoffmann, as well as background information on the illustrations and artist books on display.
Saturday, 28. February, 12 und 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, 1. March, 12 p.m.
Wednesday, 4. March, 4:30 p.m. (with Dennis Schäfer, Esther Köhring, Martina Wernli – double guided tour through both exhibitions „Reading the Unread “)
Wednesday, 13. May, 4.30 p.m.
Participation is free of charge. Please register here.
Duration: 45 minutes. Meeting point: Infopoint Stabi Kulturwerk.
Event (in German)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6 p.m.
(Broad) Canon at the Kulturwerk
A conversation about the exhibition of romantic authors
Further information and registration here.
Guided tours (in German)
Join exhibition curators Dennis Schäfer and Ursula Jäcker on a guided tour to learn about the diverse book culture that shapes and continually reinvents the image of writer E.T.A. Hoffmann, as well as background information on the illustrations and artist books on display.
Saturday, 28. February, 12 und 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, 1. March, 12 p.m.
Wednesday, 4. March, 4:30 p.m. (with Dennis Schäfer, Esther Köhring, Martina Wernli – double guided tour through both exhibitions „Reading the Unread “)
Wednesday, 13. May, 4.30 p.m.
Participation is free of charge. Please register here.
Duration: 45 minutes. Meeting point: Infopoint Stabi Kulturwerk.
Accessibility
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
