“We are always thinking ahead.” Arnold Bode turns 125 – a panel discussion in honor of the founder of documenta

December 23, 2025 marks the 125th anniversary of Arnold Bode’s (1900–1977) birth. The documenta archive will conclude the documenta anniversary year on December 6 with a panel discussion that approaches the documenta founder through the memories of contemporary witnesses.

Among them are E. R. Nele, sculptor and daughter of Arnold Bode, his student Heiner Georgsdorf, later professor of art education at the Kassel Art Academy, Kassel gallery owner Karin Melchior, long-time mayor of Kassel, Minister President of the State of Hesse and Federal Minister of Finance Hans Eichel, and Berlin art historian Professor Adrian von Buttlar.

Personal memories bring “Bode the man” to life, his restless drive, his commitment to his hometown of Kassel, his artistic ideals, and the documenta. The evening will recount how Arnold Bode consistently used his friendly, professional, and institutional relationships since 1946 to make war-torn Kassel the venue for an art exhibition for the avant-garde. The art system of the Federal Republic of Germany appears concentrated in the person of Bode, his closest companions, and his growing team.

When: December 6, 2025, 7 p.m. Where: Fridericianum, function room

Language: German

Welcome: Sven Schoeller, mayor of the city of Kassel

Introduction and moderation: Birgitta Coers, director documenta archiv

Film collage and panel discussion

Followed by a get-together in the foyer of the Fridericianum