by Klaus Heymach
Nine out of ten pregnant women decide against having a baby with Down syndrome or a disability.
Image gallery
Frederika und ihre Eltern
Berlin-based photographer Klaus Heymach has portrayed families who, after receiving a diagnosis during pregnancy, made a conscious decision to give birth to such a child.
Their portraits and stories are on display at Schöneberg City Hall in the exhibition "Wunschkind" from April 16 to May 15, 2026.
Eleven Berlin families are part of the series. Photos and interview transcripts offer insights into the sometimes challenging, often wonderful, and at times completely normal lives of these families. The first portraits were taken between 2019 and 2020. Five years later, all the families had their photos taken again.
The opening will feature musical accompaniment by chamber ensembles from Werkstatt Utopia. At Werkstatt Utopia, people with and without disabilities make music together. It is an inclusive music project funded by Aktion Mensch and run by the association KulturLeben Berlin – Schlüssel zur Kultur e.V., which has been committed to cultural participation and social inclusion for 16 years.
WUNSCHKIND
Long-term photo project by Klaus Heymach:
Family portraits of children with disabilities
Opening reception with music by Werkstatt Utopia
April 16, 2026, 6:00 PM
Schöneberg City Hall, 1st Floor, John F. Kennedy Hall
John F. Kennedy Square, 10825 Berlin
Additional information
The photo exhibition will be on display at Schöneberg Town Hall through May 15, 2026.
Admission is free.
