Down by the river

The river in current picture books around the world

All over the world, rivers shape the landscape they cross. From their source to their mouth, the Amazon, Danube, Mekong, Mississippi, Murray and Nile structure continents, mark borders between countries, feature in many myths and legends, and serve as a metaphor for the course of life. Animals and plants make their home along and in rivers. People bathe and swim in them, camp on their banks, go on boat trips, fish and listen to their sound. They live with the river and in turn shape it: the river becomes a transport route, a way to school, a place for floating markets, and its water power makes it a source of energy. In return, humans dam the river, straighten it, build over it, pollute it and threaten the natural balance of the river and its inhabitants.

The exhibition shows the great diversity of the topic “river” through illustrations from current international picture book production. It ranges from topographical and natural history depictions that trace specific courses of rivers and their flora and fauna, to illustrations that show the river as a magnificent natural experience or deal with environmental aspects and the use of the river by humans, to the river as a symbol of the journey of life.

Current Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri  10 am - 4 pm
Saturday & Sunday 2 pm - 5 pm
Closed on public holidays

Entrance Fees:
Children and Teenagers under 18: free
Adults: 3 Euros (Collective ticket for all exhibitions and museums), 2 Euros (Concession tickets)