Karl Marx and Capitalism | 10 February to 21 August 2022

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Ladies and gentlemen of the press,

We cordially invite you to the press conference on Tuesday, 8 February 2022 at 10 AM in the auditorium (Pei Building) of the Deutsches Historisches Museum.

The press preview opens at 9 AM in the Pei Building (1^st upper floor).

In attendance:
Raphael Gross, president of the Stiftung Deutsches Historisches Museum
Sabine Kritter, exhibition curator
Jürgen Herres, historian, editorial advisor and co-editor/author of the exhibition catalogue, until 2021 collaborator on the Berlin-Brandenburg Akademie der Wissenschaften's complete edition of Marx-Engels
(Ms. Kritter and Mr. Herres will be available for Q & A.)

Since the global financial and economic crisis of 2008/2009 at the very latest, capitalism and its most important analyst and critic, Karl Marx, have found themselves back under the spotlight. As the basis of authoritarian ideologies and dictatorships in the 20th century, Marx remains controversial. At the same time, the questions he posed in his 19th-century critique of economy and society amid the shift from industrial to post-industrial society are still being discussed. In the exhibition, the Deutsches Historisches Museum presents and critically examines Marx’ thought and influence as an intellectual and political confrontation with the profound crises and conflicts of his time.

Industrialization catalyzed enormous economical, social, and cultural upheavals across Germany and Europe in the 19^th century, changes that were perceived as threats to the social fabric. One century later, what transpired at that time would come to be known as breakthrough of capitalism. Karl Marx' work played a crucial part in the emergence of that designation. He was among the sharpest critics of the volatility of modernity. Philosopher, journalist, economist, and political activist, he aimed to make the new dynamics comprehensible and malleable. The exhibition shows what motivated Marx, to what he was reacting, how his theories evolved, and where he contradicted himself. It centers on seven topics that defined the present Marx inhabited and his critique of capitalism—none of which have lost any of their explosiveness since: religious and social critique controversies, antisemitism, revolution and violence, new technologies, the destruction of nature, global economic crises, as well as international protest and emancipation movements. The presentation thus also connects the historicization of Marx to questions about his currency. At the same time, the exhibition takes a critical look at the worldwide reception of his theories in the 20^th and 21^st centuries, making clear how Marx’ fundamentally ambivalent work also made a fundamentally ambivalent historical impact.

Please note the following guidance, plus the registration form below:

• The press event is being held between the hours of 9 AM (accreditation open) to 1 PM sharp.
  We are unable to make exceptions at this time.
• Binding registration is required. Unaccredited individuals can only be granted entry if space allows.
• Interviews and filming will be possible on an individual basis per advance registration. Please respect the minimum social distance of 1.5 meters during these activities. Radio and filming teams are advised to use rod microphones and/or booms.
• 2G+ rules apply with mandatory FFP2 masking: At this time, participation is only possible with (1) proof of full primary COVID-19 vaccination and/or recent recovery, plus (2) negative same-day test results OR booster vaccination, and (3) photo ID. Exceptions apply to individuals who cannot be vaccinated with (1) papers and (2) negative (PCR) test. Documents will be checked at the entrance.
• FFP2 Masks must be worn at all times, including while seated in your seat.
• We kindly request that you follow all social distancing and hygiene rules in effect at the time of your visit throughout the entire premises and all exhibition spaces. You may refer to our website for up-to-date information on applicable local ordinances: https://www.dhm.de/en/visit/your-visit/