Heavenly caricatures to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth
From 6 October to 6 November 2026, ‘Adenauer on the Cloud’ will be on display at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation Academy in Berlin.
Image gallery
Adenauer, Wolkenflieger-Karikatur
The exhibition takes as its starting point the observation that, since his death in 1967, Konrad Adenauer has repeatedly appeared in caricatures and cartoons sitting on a cloud: as a pensive, critical or amused observer of politics, society and current affairs.
What might the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany have said today from his heavenly vantage point?
With his 150th birthday in mind, 47 satirical artists have reflected on this question and brought their ideas to life with pen, ink and digital tablets. These newly created works form the centrepiece of the exhibition. They are complemented by a digital presentation featuring selected historical works that exemplify the development of the ‘Adenauer on a cloud’ motif.
With unerring accuracy and a touch of humour, the exhibition brings Konrad Adenauer into the here and now. It invites visitors to rediscover the founding father of our democracy, both as a person and a politician, and to recognise his enduring relevance. The caricatures and cartoons on display offer the general public direct access to political education, democratic discourse and historical memory.
Contributors/Artists: 47 satirical cartoonists
- Dates: 6 October to 6 November 2026
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
- Organiser: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.
- Ticket information: Admission is free
- Venue: Academy of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation e. V., Tiergartenstr. 35, 10785 Berlin, Germany
Context: Why is the exhibition relevant?
The exhibition is relevant today because, on the occasion of Konrad Adenauer’s 150th birthday, it not only honours him historically but also applies his perspectives to contemporary political and social issues. The caricatures illustrate, in a humorous and critical manner, which current developments the founding father of the Federal Republic might have commented on.
At the same time, the exhibition makes it clear that Adenauer’s democratic values and fundamental political convictions remain relevant to this day. Through the medium of caricature, it provides an accessible entry point to political education, social dialogue and historical remembrance.
