Goethe’s Faust as an interactive virtual reality experience

A classic of German literature goes virtual: the production “Goethe VR” takes Goethe’s Faust I and II from the book to the VR headset at the German National Library. Users can enjoy a whole new take on one of the most famous works of literature, which is presented as a virtual reality experience in seven interactive scenes. They will be actively involved in the story: they will sign the pact with Mephistopheles, travel to the Witch’s Kitchen, meet Gretchen and look for the proverbial “poodle’s core”.

Players get to embark on a literary and emotional journey in different scenes. “Goethe VR” is set in a desert landscape whose minimalist vastness becomes a stage that also symbolises humankind’s exploitation of nature. In terms of its subject matter, the VR experience focuses on contemporary aspects. It references passages from the source texts that can be interpreted as a reflection on human existence in our current times. Faust’s relentless search for the new, his restlessness and his desire to experience the perfect moment form the backdrop to this digital version of Faust. The incorporation of the play’s original language is an important component of this adaptation.

This creates a virtual world whose atmosphere and content reflects the literature it is modelled on and makes the themes of Faust I and II more tangible to the players in a visually appealing way. “Goethe VR” will be available in nine languages: German, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Indonesian (Bahasa), Polish, Czech and Arabic.

A production created by ZDF Digital in cooperation with the German Museum of Books and Writing at the German National Library, the Goethe Institute and the Goethe Museum in Düsseldorf, with funding from the Federal Funding for Computer Games.

Copyright: ZDF Digital 2021

Notes for your visit

You can experience the VR at our locations in Leipzig and in Frankfurt.

Leipzig

Registration and opening hours

You can experience the Goethe VR in 20-minute slots.
Admission free

Dates and booking

Address and getting here

German National Library
German Museum of Books and Writing
Deutscher Platz 1
04103 Leipzig

Getting here

Accessibility

Barrier-free access to the exhibition is available.

Frankfurt

Registration and opening hours

You can experience the Goethe VR in 20-minute slots.
Admission free

Booking

Address and getting here

German National Library
Adickesallee 1
60322 Frankfurt am Main

Getting here

Accessibility

Barrier-free access to the exhibition is available.