The Liebieghaus Sculpture Collection in Frankfurt is preparing to showcase a major exhibition titled "Animals Are Only Human Too," featuring the work of renowned sculptor August Gaul (1869-1921). The exhibition, set to open on November 13, will run through May 3, 2026, presenting Gaul's bronze, ceramic, and marble sculptures alongside pieces from three millennia of art history.
At the heart of the exhibition are approximately 100 animal sculptures by Gaul, including eagles, bears, otters, penguins, and orangutans. Curator Vinzenz Brinkmann explained that August Gaul was the first artist in European art history to portray animals as independent individuals. "Embedded in the historic collection of the Liebieghaus, one can sense the liveliness of the animals and simultaneously the masterful precision of forms with which the artist captured nature in a modern way," Brinkmann noted.
The exhibition features life-sized sculptures of lions and great apes, while also directing attention to animals that had previously received little notice in art, such as donkeys, geese, and ducks. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Gaul's revolutionary perspective on animal representation in sculpture.
Meanwhile, the 77th Frankfurt Book Fair officially opened with significant themes addressing artificial intelligence regulation concerns and universal access to reading. Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, chairwoman of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association, highlighted these critical issues during the press conference. The fair, running from October 15-19, features the "Literature in Hessen" joint stand, where the Hessian Ministry for Science and Research, Arts and Culture collaborates with the Hessian Literature Council.
In other cultural news, Swiss author Dorothee Elmiger received the 2025 German Book Prize for her novel "Die Holländerinnen" (The Dutch Women). The jury described Elmiger's work as a "fascinating trip into the heart of darkness," centering around the mysterious real case of two Dutch tourists who disappeared in Panama. The prize comes with a 25,000 euro award.
The German book retail landscape continues to face challenges, with the Federal Statistical Office reporting a new low of approximately 2,980 book retailers in 2023, representing a 24 percent decline over five years. Despite this reduction, sales revenue in book retail increased by 9 percent during the same period, suggesting a shift in consumer behavior alongside rising rents and personnel costs.
Cultural celebrations are also taking place across Hessen, with the Lullus Festival beginning in Bad Hersfeld, marking Germany's oldest folk festival. The traditional Lullus Fire was lit on Monday, initiating seven days of festivities including balloon competitions, theater performances, and live music on the Hersfeld marketplace. The festival, dating back to 852 AD, honors Archbishop Lull, the founder of Bad Hersfeld.
The Wiesbaden State Theater premiered "Mephisto" based on Klaus Mann's novel about actor Hendrik Höfgen, who betrays friends and ideals for success during the Nazi regime. Critics praised director Luk Perceval's "very reduced yet very powerful and impressive" staging as a "breathtaking experience."
Looking ahead to 2026, popular German singer Mark Forster has confirmed his performance at Kassel's "Stadt Sommer" concert series on Friedrichsplatz, joining Roland Kaiser in the open-air venue. The concert concept, which began in 2023, has previously featured international stars like Sting, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Sarah Connor before audiences of thousands.
The Hessen Film & Media organization announced funding of approximately 2.3 million euros for 50 film projects and 32 festivals. Notable recipients include 120,000 euros for the coming-of-age drama "Blackbird" directed by Max Zähle, based on Matthias Brandt's debut novel, and 200,000 euros for the sci-fi comedy "Der zweite Stern von rechts" (The Second Star to the Right) by director Markus Dietrich.
