On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the novel The Magic Mountain, the exhibition Thomas Mann’s—The Magic Mountain. Feverdream and Altitude rush at the St. Annen-Museum Lübeck offers an immersive journey into the world of Thomas Mann. The novel can be interpreted as a long dream from which the protagonist, Hans Castorp, only awakens in the final chapter. This dreamlike quality is brought to life in seven captivating rooms, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in different dream worlds.

The exhibition’s captions reflect the theme of ascent and descent that defines The Magic Mountain. The headings are arranged in a stepped pattern, creating a dynamic visual feeling. The exhibit texts include various types of writing – such as quotations, direct and indirect speech, as well as descriptions of the artefacts – all clearly distinguished by different typefaces (Default Sans & Rhetorik Serif) and font styles (Italic & Regular). The text panels are harmoniously integrated into the exhibition concept through the use of acrylic and polycarbonate twin-wall sheet and thus become an essential part of the staging.

Particularly striking are four selected quotations by Thomas Mann, realised three-dimensional text sculptures using a cnc milling machine. In addition, bespoke wallpaper designs were created, which define and enhance the atmosphere of each exhibition room.

Exhibition design: Studio Flex
Curated by: Dr. Caren Heuer & Barbara Eschenburg
Typeface: Rhetorik Serif by Sascha Bente / AllCaps Type & Default Sans by Scott Vander Zee