"Mankind and the world carry enough good future" (Ernst Bloch)

The Ernst Bloch Centre is a cultural centre and philosophical institution which deals with utopias and critical issues of our time. With its threefold conception comprising the archives, exhibitions and its cultural programme it is a research centre as well as a place for public discourse. The permanent exhibition displays Ernst Bloch’s study in Tübingen under a walkable glass floor. The Ernst Bloch Archives including Bloch’s literary estate and an extensive library provide access to the philosopher’s life and work.

Cultural Programme

A diverse cultural programme addresses cultural, philosophical and educational issues and focuses on sustainable thinking and human action. The Ernst Bloch Centre aims for a broad audience in the sense of public science. Discussions, lectures and conferences address current and utopian issues and muster experts from politics, economy, culture and science with a critical audience. Book readings by contemporary authors round off the cultural programme, as well as temporary art exhibitions.

Exhibition

The permanent exhibition provides information about Ernst Bloch's life and work; a multimedia presentation addresses utopian topics. Instead of merely commemorating the person Ernst Bloch, the permanent exhibition is based on Blochian topics. Ernst Bloch’s perspective for the future is in general open, thus the exhibition is designed in an open way – regarding contents as well as presentation.
The exhibition comprises different levels of presentation:

  • Information panels on Bloch’s biography
  • 7 satellites which exhibit the key topics of Ernst Bloch’s philosophy
  • Ernst Bloch’s study in Tübingen under a glass floor
  • Showcases with manuscripts give access to Bloch’s work

Research

The Ernst Bloch Archives and an extensive library offer many opportunities for research. Bloch’s literary estate mainly originates from Bloch’s later years in Tübingen, however, it also includes manuscripts from his time in Leipzig, his exile in the US and from the 1920s. The library comprises all first editions of Bloch’s work, many rare editions as well as translations. Additionally, it offers a wide range of international secondary literature.