Expanding our cultural Programme - Fostering dialogue
Photo: Johanna Baschke
The German National Library is a place of encounter, exchange and inspiration for experts and general public alike. We offer a varied programme of first-class cultural events such as reading festivals, theme days, book fairs, open days, museum nights, concerts and guided tours, all of which allow visitors to keep on experiencing our spaces in new ways.
The exhibitions at the German Museum of Books and Writing, the German Exile Archive 1933–1945 and the German Music Archive offer fascinating insights into cultural and social topics and our collections. They are the showcases of our library. Publications – printed and digital, ranging from exhibition catalogues, annual reports and blog articles to thematic publications – facilitate deeper insights into the spectrum covered by our activities and collections.
Our buildings are places of cultural participation, and we see our virtual services the same way. Our extensive digital culture programme – readings, discussions, exhibitions – can be accessed anywhere in the world at any time.
We create spaces in which you can encounter knowledge, people and culture. Support us in this effort!
Donate now
Support the German National Library's cultural programme by making a bank transfer or setting up a standing order payable to the following account. Your donation to the German National Library is tax-deductible.
Account holder: Bundeskasse Trier
Bank: Deutsche Bundesbank Filiale Saarbrücken
IBAN: DE81 5900 0000 0059 0010 20
Intended use: 1156 5111 1240, Spende DNB
Your donation supports
Summer festival of democracy
Photo: LVZ/Picturework, Dirk Knofe
As a "place of free speech" (Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier), the German National Library is planning a festival in the summer of 2025 during which we as the memory of the nation will celebrate democracy and freedom of opinion – wholly in keeping with the motto "Knowledge creates democracy".
The library as a "third place"
Photo: DNB, Stephan Jockel
Libraries have long since moved beyond their traditional functions of providing workstations and access to media. Libraries are places of encounter, places to linger and experience. The German National Library is also a "third place". We organise a varied programme of events, gatherings and exhibitions and offer our premises as event venues.
Days of Exile 2026 in Frankfurt am Main
Photo: Alexander Paul Englert
The Days of Exile are a programme of events and encounters geared towards the general public. The programme provides a platform for people in exile, builds bridges between the past and present, and encourages dialogue and understanding between new and long-standing citizens with the aim of strengthening solidarity in the city. In 2026, the German Exile Archive 1933–1945 will be holding the Days of Exile in Frankfurt am Main in cooperation with the Körber Foundation.
Funded projects
Numerous projects have benefited from generous support in the past. A selection:
Photo: Rainer Präger
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Disruptive elements: Jazz, protest and revolution
In September 2024, the German Museum of Books and Writing explored the concept of music as a medium of protest in cooperation with Jazzwerkstatt Peitz and numerous sponsors. The festival, which Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier honoured with an opening address, was held to mark the handover of Jazzwerkstatt Peitz's historical archive to the museum.
Contact
The opportunities to get involved are many and varied. We are happy to tell you more and answer your questions at engagement@dnb.de
Last changes:
06.02.2025
