What's going on on the head?

Hairy things from children's books

Pippi Longstocking's red plaits, Momo's wild curly head and Rapunzel's long braid: there are numerous characters in children's literature with eye-catching hair. Hair and hairstyles are often a central feature of children's literary characters - and in many cases hair is more than just hair: it symbolises character traits, creates identity or shows emotions such as fear or anger. Long hair is associated with beauty and femininity, unkempt tresses are associated with freedom and wildness, but also disobedience, while a severe side parting appears stuffy and well-behaved. Hair colours are also often associated with certain characteristics: The blue hair of the Swedish troll Plupp or the bright green locks of the forest-dwelling "Wawuschels" are a sign of their closeness to nature, while redheads like Sams or Pumuckl are seen as cheeky and nosey. However, these traditional and established hairy attributions are also deliberately undermined time and again and literally brushed against the grain.

The exhibition will showcase wild heads of hair and strict braids from old and new picture books and children's books from all over the world. There will also be pop-cultural excursions – after all, Marge Simpson has the most famous blue hair tower of our time. In addition to the question of the different hairy meanings, the exhibition offers many opportunities to discover and participate: How about trying out Pumuckl's bright red hairstyle? Or find out how long Rapunzel's plait really is?

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)