Bamberg celebrates E.T.A. Hoffmann: 250 years full of culture and creativity!

Bamberg celebrates E.T.A. Hoffmann: 250 years full of culture and creativity!

Bamberg is preparing for a very special year: in 2026 E.T.A. Hoffmann, one of the great minds of German Romanticism, 250 years old. To mark this occasion, the city is planning an extensive cultural program that includes numerous events. On January 24, 2026, there will be a concert reading of “Kapellmeister Johann Kreisler's Musical Sufferings” in the ETA Hoffmann Theater, accompanied by an instrumental ensemble from the high school graduating class of the ETA Hoffmann-Gymnasium. Another highlight is the birthday revue, which follows the birthday celebrations on January 24th and 25th, 2026, which focuses on Hoffmann's complex life and work, as [sonntagsblatt.de](https://www.sonntagsblatt.de/artikel/epd/bamberg- Feiert-250-jahre-eta-hoffmann) reports.

With this program, the city of Bamberg would like to keep the creative ideas of the poet, composer and lawyer alive. Ulrike Siebenhaar, the cultural officer, underlines the importance of these celebrations for the city: “We want to re-appreciate and show Hoffmann’s creativity and versatility,” as in [fn-magazin.de]. The cultural offering will be diverse, from exhibitions to readings to concerts and artistic interventions – a colorful spectrum that will take place throughout the city.

A look at the exhibitions

An outstanding part of the program will be the exhibition “Make a Wish!” will be in the Historical Museum, which is dedicated to Hoffmann until March 22, 2026. The theme of “cursing” will show central objects from his work, and modern art, such as Gerhard Böhm's pop art collages, will also be part of the presentation. There will also be a curator's tour on January 22nd, which will provide deeper insights into the exhibition.

Hoffmann's lasting traces in Bamberg

In Bamberg, two impressive sculptures have a special meaning. A sculpture by Reinhard Klesse at the ETA Hoffmann Theater is reminiscent of the characters “Kapellmeister Kreisler” and “Kater Murr”. Another monument to the talking dog “Berganza” is located in the Hain community park on the Schillerwiese, created by Hermann Leitherer. These works are a sign of the lasting presence that Hoffmann left in the city.

Funding for creative projects

In order to give space to the independent cultural scene, three project grants of 5,000 euros each are being advertised. These are intended to bring innovative approaches to life that are in creative exchange with Hoffmann's work. The application deadline is October 27, 2025, and an independent jury will review the applications. “We want to strengthen the visibility of the independent scene and offer them a platform to actively participate in the anniversary year,” says Jutta Putschner, head of the cultural department.

E.T.A. Hoffmann, born on January 24, 1776 in Königsberg, was a true all-rounder: he was not only a poet, but also a composer, draftsman and lawyer. His passion for art took him to Bamberg from 1808 to 1813, where he put his ideas and visions on paper. His works such as “The Sandman” and “The Nutcracker” are well known, which are still considered milestones in literature and music today, see multiurok.ru.

With this multi-layered cultural program, Bamberg will invite you to enter the fascinating world of E.T.A. Hoffmann and at the same time properly celebrate one of the city's greatest sons. We can look forward to an exciting and varied anniversary year!