Books: the gateway to fantasy - children's literature through the ages
Books have fascinated people for centuries. Heinrich Schliemann also reported on a special Christmas present he received as a seven-year-old in 1829 - the "World History for Children". The pictures of the burning Troy fascinated the childlike Schliemann so much that he later read Homer's epics about the heroes of the Trojan War. These stories accompanied him throughout his life - right up to the excavations of the legendary Troy.
From Saturday, 29.11.2025, the special exhibition will show a cross-section of children's literature from different periods and explain the special features of literature for children in each case. From the Middle Ages, when children had to make do with selected passages from the Bible, excerpts from the Iliad and other heroic sagas, to the Age of Enlightenment, when the child was the focus of education and upbringing. Later, the different reading interests of girls and boys were taken into account. The so-called "Backfischliteratur" (backfish literature) emerged in whole series of books.
On display are numerous artistically illustrated fairy tale books, beautiful picture books that touch every viewer.In addition to "Struwwelpeter", the stories of "Max and Moritz" through to fantastic literature such as the "Hobbit" and the "Harry Potter" series, books up to the present day can be admired.
The motivation of authors to write for children is also interesting. Some popular writers are briefly introduced in the exhibition.
The special exhibition is designed for the whole family. In addition to the text panels and showcases, small installations liven up the exhibition tour.
As an accompanying program, the museum team offers guided tours, fairy tale readings, puppet shows, handicrafts and a vacation workshop. More information at www.schliemann-museum.de
The special exhibition at the Schliemann Museum Ankershagen can be seen until 31.05.2026.
