Erfurt celebrates inspiring exhibition about Mirjam Pressler in the Old Synagogue!

Erfurt celebrates inspiring exhibition about Mirjam Pressler in the Old Synagogue!

There is something to be happy about in Erfurt: The exhibition “Writing is Happiness” opens on May 16, 2025 and can be seen in the Old Synagogue until January 15, 2026. This event celebrates the works of the renowned German-speaking children's and young adult author Mirjam Pressler. The Old Synagogue, which attracts visitors with its barrier-free entrances and an extensive range of accompanying services, is located at Schwertgasse 8 and is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It remains closed on Mondays.

The heart of the event is an interactive exhibition that invites visitors to immerse themselves in Pressler's diverse world of books and become creative themselves. There are seven hands-on stations where you can actively participate, and a total of around 40 books by the author are available at various reading stations. The works are freely accessible on site and give the exhibition a charming library flair. In addition, visitors can discover various postcards and “little happiness to take home” as souvenirs.

Insights into Pressler's life

Mirjam Pressler, born in Darmstadt in 1940, had an eventful childhood marked by poverty, loneliness and violence. She only realized her dream of becoming a painter late, at the age of 39, when she began working as an author. Her books often deal with topics such as fear, violence and eating disorders, but they also contain a message of courage and hope. Particularly noteworthy is her last novel, “Dark Gold,” which deals with an Erfurt treasure in the Old Synagogue.

The exhibition is led by Dr. Franziska Krah and Dr. Maria Stürzebecher organized and is a painstaking addition to the original presentation at the Jewish Museum Frankfurt, which has produced a 100-page accompanying publication. The price for this publication is 9.95 euros and is available at the exhibition locations. A special highlight at the start is a big birthday party, which will be celebrated with improv theater and a silent disco on June 18, 2025.

Additional programming and accessibility

In addition to the permanent exhibition, an interesting accompanying program is offered, including public aperitif tours, creative workshops and special programs for holiday periods. In addition, the Old Synagogue is completely barrier-free, which means that people with limited mobility can also enjoy the exhibitions. Video guides with hearing loops are available for the hearing impaired, while tactile tours are organized for visually impaired visitors.

The expansion of Jewish culture not only flourishes in Erfurt, but also shows the roots and enrichment that Jewish life has left in cities like Berlin. Since the late 1980s, a renaissance of Jewish life has developed in the capital, which includes cultural events and a lively preservation of tradition, as the Jewish Museum Berlin proves. Historical figures such as Moses Mendelsohn and Albert Einstein still shape the cultural heritage of this city today and remind us of the deep roots of Jewish culture.

With this in mind, there are numerous reasons to visit the exhibition “Writing is Happiness” in the Old Synagogue and learn more about Mirjam Pressler’s eventful life and inspiring works. Venues such as the Small Synagogue and the Waidespeicher Gallery further enrich the offering in Erfurt.