Giessen prepares a global tribute to Wilhelm Liebknecht’s 200th anniversary in 2026
Giessen is set to honour the 200th birthday of Wilhelm Liebknecht in 2026 with a year-long programme titled 'Liebknecht200'. The global celebrations, supported by the city and various organisations, will highlight the political thinker's legacy through events across Germany.
The anniversary year will commence on March 29, 2026, with a day filled with encounters, discussions, music, and theatre. Throughout the year, a special exhibition at the Giessen City Museum will delve into Liebknecht's life and values, aiming to engage a younger audience.
Key events include an academic conference titled 'Democracy, Made in Giessen' and 'Festigress – Ars Democratica', a blend of festival and congress focusing on discussions, art, and activism in the fall. Musical performances and a theatre play will also feature, along with 'Conversational Waitering' to foster dialogue. A five-minute film about Liebknecht's life will be projected onto building facades worldwide.
The total budget for the anniversary year is approximately €300,000, with €30,000 contributed by municipal funds. The event is supported by the Foundation for Sites of German Democratic History, the Federal Agency for Civic Education, the Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts, and the Savings Bank Cultural Foundation.
The 'Liebknecht200' programme promises a year of engaging and thought-provoking events, celebrating the life and ideas of Wilhelm Liebknecht. Through discussions, art, and exhibitions, the global celebrations aim to inspire a new generation with the political thinker's democratic values.
