(c) Stiftung Internationale Jugendbibliothek
(c) Stiftung Internationale Jugendbibliothek
15
May 23
-
01
May 24

Exhibition


Of Foxes and Fables

Treasure Chamber

International Animal Stories and Fables from around the World

"The Cricket and the Ant", "The Hare and the Tortoise", "The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse" or "The Raven and the Fox" - animal fables play a major role in the children's literary universe. In classic texts, animal characters make human (mis)behaviour visible and often express clear moral values. While classical fables were part of a fixed framework of norms and values, modern adaptations or new texts transport the fables to the present day. In doing so, they brush the concise messages against the grain in many ways by breaking them ironically, questioning them or turning them into the opposite. In this way, they remain, like their classical models, texts that call for reflection. 

The exhibition presents fable texts and their illustrations: A broad panorama of fables and animal stories from all over the world will be shown - for example, by John Kilaka from Tanzania, who creates his stories in the tradition of the Tingatinga style. Canonical fables in various historical, contemporary and international adaptations are also on display: The fable of the cricket and the ant has not only been told by Aesop and La Fontaine, but also - textually and figuratively accentuated in a new way - by Leo Lionni with "Frederick" or Janosch with "The Cricket and the Mole". 

In addition, the focus lies on a central "mythical creature": the fox. Alongside the lion, the raven, the mouse or the hare, he occupies a prominent position and appears in various constellations. He often acts cunningly and cleverly, but he is also often duped. He is thus not confined to one role, which makes him an exciting character who appears in many texts. 

Workshops for school classes are offered to accompany the exhibition.

Current Opening Hours:
Mon - Thu 10 am - 4 pm
Fri             10 am - 2 pm
Saturday & Sunday 2 pm - 5 pm

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