With the exhibition »The Story That Never Ends. The Collection of the ZKM«, the ZKM | Karlsruhe provides a comprehensive insight into its own collection, which, with around 12,000 works, is among the largest and most significant collections of media art in the world. The exhibition tells not only of the intertwined stories of art and technology but also of the challenges that fast-paced technological media bring to museums worldwide.

The history of media art from the 1950s to the present

Electrification and digitalization have changed the world. This transformation has not only affected our daily lives but has also impacted artistic creation. 

Since the beginning of the 20th century, artists have been using these rapidly evolving technologies and constantly expanding the expressive possibilities of art: The spectrum ranges from video, light, and sound works to motor-driven kinetic objects, as well as computer-based interactive installations or works created with the help of artificial intelligence. 

With about 100 works, »The Story That Never Ends« traces these developmental lines of the apparatus arts and their openness to the categories of space, time, and movement as well as interaction and participation – from the 1950s to the present. A selection of important key works that represent significant moments and milestones of media art illustrates the diversity and impact of these technological developments. Marie-Jo Lafontaine's monumental video sculpture »Les larmes d’acier« (1987), which ironizes the complex conceptual constellations of "man, machine, power, and sexuality," as well as Bill Viola's video-sound installation »Stations« (1994), which unites central aspects of his artistic work along with fundamental themes of human existence, or Jeffrey Shaw's »Virtual Sculpture« (1981), representing early experiments in augmented reality, form a small selection of examples here. 

At the same time, the exhibition also makes the socio-political context in which the works were created comprehensible, allowing for deductions and connections to the pressing questions of our time: Feminist works by earlier (media art) pioneers, such as pezoldo (aka Friederike Pezold), Lynn Hershman Leeson, Kirsten Geisler, or Rebecca Horn, are just as noteworthy as works reflecting the impacts of mass media like television (Nam June Paik, Wolf Vostell), the connection between technology and the military, borders and surveillance, or violence in the digital space (Paul Garrin, Hanna Haaslahti, David Rokeby) or natural ecosystems (Justine Emard, Claudia González Godoy). Artists repeatedly question the possibilities and effects of new media, rethink and redesign them, thus bringing forth new social and cultural narratives that shape the discourse about our relationship with technology. 

We perceive art, as the exhibition title suggests, as a story that will never end as long as there are people. The fact that we do not know what form it will take in the future is something it shares with technology. Our knowledge of the past and present influences how we shape the future and value what is yet to come.

The restoration of media art

„The Story That Never Ends“ not only refers to artistic development but also to the challenges museums face when collecting media artworks: Technical devices are not made for eternity, data carriers deteriorate, software standards become obsolete very quickly, and media formats are no longer readable after a few years. This means that works must continuously be monitored and technically updated by conservators. What impact does this have on art and our cultural memory? What skills do we need to develop to not only have a future but also a past?

The ZKM has an internationally recognized expertise in the conservation and restoration of media art. However, since these conservation and restoration activities mostly happen behind the scenes, »The Story That Never Ends« takes a radical step: The decision about which key works from the collection are shown in the exhibition has been entrusted to the conservators of the ZKM. In doing so, they bring hidden treasures to light that have, due to elaborate preservation measures, often not been publicly visible for decades. Since the works themselves do not necessarily reveal the complexity of their technology and the challenges of their preservation, the exhibition also provides an introduction to the history of technology and conservation strategies for this type of works.

The view from the past into the future

»The Story That Never Ends« thus not only tells the fascinating story of media art through the unique collection of the ZKM. It also highlights the fragility of our electrified and digitalized civilization. The exhibition allows for an in-depth insight into the art and technology history of the 20th and 21st centuries and shows how history sharpens the view of the present and stimulates the imagination of possible futures.

Wed to Fri: 10 am to 6 pm
Sat, Sun: 11 am to 6 pm

In New York, Kathi immediately plunges into the next adventure. She embarks on a road trip through the late 60s and wild 70s across America. Along the way, she stops in Nashville, travels with a hippie gang across the land, rides a Harley along Route 66, makes a stop at the Ponderosa Ranch - until her journey ultimately reaches its grand finale on the big stage at Woodstock.

Join us in the land of unlimited possibilities.
Those who love the evergreens, rock classics, and hits of this era will feel right at home here.

High up in the North, where snow and ice are eternal, lives Lars, the little polar bear. Lars can already ride on his father's back and catch fish with one paw. Only swimming, he can't do that so well yet.
One day, something terrible happens. Lars drifts all alone on an ice floe out to sea. And experiences his first big adventure.
A piece for the very little ones.
About how wonderful it is to discover the world.
And about the most beautiful word, when you have seen enough:
Home...

Play: Friederike Krahl
Director: Thomas Hänsel
Set design: Matthias Hänsel, Vera Kniss
Duration: 40 minutes

Admission: 30 minutes before the start of the performance - No admission after the performance begins

High up in the North, where snow and ice are eternal, lives Lars, the little polar bear. Lars can already ride on his father's back and catch fish with one paw. Only swimming, he can't do that so well yet.
One day, something terrible happens. Lars drifts all alone on an ice floe out to sea. And experiences his first big adventure.
A piece for the very little ones.
About how wonderful it is to discover the world.
And about the most beautiful word, when you have seen enough:
Home...

Play: Friederike Krahl
Director: Thomas Hänsel
Set design: Matthias Hänsel, Vera Kniss
Duration: 40 minutes

Admission: 30 minutes before the start of the performance - No admission after the performance begins

Our popular tours are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Rhine with a relaxing cup of coffee and a slice of cake. For everyone interested in harbor culture, the 4-Häfen-Rundfahrt is an absolute highlight. It takes us past Leopoldshafen and then into the impressive ports of Wörth, Maxau, and the Karlsruhe Oil Port. After about 3.5 hours, we return without a stop to the dock.
All available seats are in the interior area, and the main deck is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible restroom.

Entry: 2:00 PM

Sold Out!

With the exhibition »The Story That Never Ends. The Collection of the ZKM«, the ZKM | Karlsruhe provides a comprehensive insight into its own collection, which, with around 12,000 works, is among the largest and most significant collections of media art in the world. The exhibition tells not only of the intertwined stories of art and technology but also of the challenges that fast-paced technological media bring to museums worldwide.

The history of media art from the 1950s to the present

Electrification and digitalization have changed the world. This transformation has not only affected our daily lives but has also impacted artistic creation. 

Since the beginning of the 20th century, artists have been using these rapidly evolving technologies and constantly expanding the expressive possibilities of art: The spectrum ranges from video, light, and sound works to motor-driven kinetic objects, as well as computer-based interactive installations or works created with the help of artificial intelligence. 

With about 100 works, »The Story That Never Ends« traces these developmental lines of the apparatus arts and their openness to the categories of space, time, and movement as well as interaction and participation – from the 1950s to the present. A selection of important key works that represent significant moments and milestones of media art illustrates the diversity and impact of these technological developments. Marie-Jo Lafontaine's monumental video sculpture »Les larmes d’acier« (1987), which ironizes the complex conceptual constellations of "man, machine, power, and sexuality," as well as Bill Viola's video-sound installation »Stations« (1994), which unites central aspects of his artistic work along with fundamental themes of human existence, or Jeffrey Shaw's »Virtual Sculpture« (1981), representing early experiments in augmented reality, form a small selection of examples here. 

At the same time, the exhibition also makes the socio-political context in which the works were created comprehensible, allowing for deductions and connections to the pressing questions of our time: Feminist works by earlier (media art) pioneers, such as pezoldo (aka Friederike Pezold), Lynn Hershman Leeson, Kirsten Geisler, or Rebecca Horn, are just as noteworthy as works reflecting the impacts of mass media like television (Nam June Paik, Wolf Vostell), the connection between technology and the military, borders and surveillance, or violence in the digital space (Paul Garrin, Hanna Haaslahti, David Rokeby) or natural ecosystems (Justine Emard, Claudia González Godoy). Artists repeatedly question the possibilities and effects of new media, rethink and redesign them, thus bringing forth new social and cultural narratives that shape the discourse about our relationship with technology. 

We perceive art, as the exhibition title suggests, as a story that will never end as long as there are people. The fact that we do not know what form it will take in the future is something it shares with technology. Our knowledge of the past and present influences how we shape the future and value what is yet to come.

The restoration of media art

„The Story That Never Ends“ not only refers to artistic development but also to the challenges museums face when collecting media artworks: Technical devices are not made for eternity, data carriers deteriorate, software standards become obsolete very quickly, and media formats are no longer readable after a few years. This means that works must continuously be monitored and technically updated by conservators. What impact does this have on art and our cultural memory? What skills do we need to develop to not only have a future but also a past?

The ZKM has an internationally recognized expertise in the conservation and restoration of media art. However, since these conservation and restoration activities mostly happen behind the scenes, »The Story That Never Ends« takes a radical step: The decision about which key works from the collection are shown in the exhibition has been entrusted to the conservators of the ZKM. In doing so, they bring hidden treasures to light that have, due to elaborate preservation measures, often not been publicly visible for decades. Since the works themselves do not necessarily reveal the complexity of their technology and the challenges of their preservation, the exhibition also provides an introduction to the history of technology and conservation strategies for this type of works.

The view from the past into the future

»The Story That Never Ends« thus not only tells the fascinating story of media art through the unique collection of the ZKM. It also highlights the fragility of our electrified and digitalized civilization. The exhibition allows for an in-depth insight into the art and technology history of the 20th and 21st centuries and shows how history sharpens the view of the present and stimulates the imagination of possible futures.

Wed to Fri: 10 am to 6 pm
Sat, Sun: 11 am to 6 pm

With the exhibition »The Story That Never Ends. The Collection of the ZKM«, the ZKM | Karlsruhe provides a comprehensive insight into its own collection, which, with around 12,000 works, is among the largest and most significant collections of media art in the world. The exhibition tells not only of the intertwined stories of art and technology but also of the challenges that fast-paced technological media bring to museums worldwide.

The history of media art from the 1950s to the present

Electrification and digitalization have changed the world. This transformation has not only affected our daily lives but has also impacted artistic creation. 

Since the beginning of the 20th century, artists have been using these rapidly evolving technologies and constantly expanding the expressive possibilities of art: The spectrum ranges from video, light, and sound works to motor-driven kinetic objects, as well as computer-based interactive installations or works created with the help of artificial intelligence. 

With about 100 works, »The Story That Never Ends« traces these developmental lines of the apparatus arts and their openness to the categories of space, time, and movement as well as interaction and participation – from the 1950s to the present. A selection of important key works that represent significant moments and milestones of media art illustrates the diversity and impact of these technological developments. Marie-Jo Lafontaine's monumental video sculpture »Les larmes d’acier« (1987), which ironizes the complex conceptual constellations of "man, machine, power, and sexuality," as well as Bill Viola's video-sound installation »Stations« (1994), which unites central aspects of his artistic work along with fundamental themes of human existence, or Jeffrey Shaw's »Virtual Sculpture« (1981), representing early experiments in augmented reality, form a small selection of examples here. 

At the same time, the exhibition also makes the socio-political context in which the works were created comprehensible, allowing for deductions and connections to the pressing questions of our time: Feminist works by earlier (media art) pioneers, such as pezoldo (aka Friederike Pezold), Lynn Hershman Leeson, Kirsten Geisler, or Rebecca Horn, are just as noteworthy as works reflecting the impacts of mass media like television (Nam June Paik, Wolf Vostell), the connection between technology and the military, borders and surveillance, or violence in the digital space (Paul Garrin, Hanna Haaslahti, David Rokeby) or natural ecosystems (Justine Emard, Claudia González Godoy). Artists repeatedly question the possibilities and effects of new media, rethink and redesign them, thus bringing forth new social and cultural narratives that shape the discourse about our relationship with technology. 

We perceive art, as the exhibition title suggests, as a story that will never end as long as there are people. The fact that we do not know what form it will take in the future is something it shares with technology. Our knowledge of the past and present influences how we shape the future and value what is yet to come.

The restoration of media art

„The Story That Never Ends“ not only refers to artistic development but also to the challenges museums face when collecting media artworks: Technical devices are not made for eternity, data carriers deteriorate, software standards become obsolete very quickly, and media formats are no longer readable after a few years. This means that works must continuously be monitored and technically updated by conservators. What impact does this have on art and our cultural memory? What skills do we need to develop to not only have a future but also a past?

The ZKM has an internationally recognized expertise in the conservation and restoration of media art. However, since these conservation and restoration activities mostly happen behind the scenes, »The Story That Never Ends« takes a radical step: The decision about which key works from the collection are shown in the exhibition has been entrusted to the conservators of the ZKM. In doing so, they bring hidden treasures to light that have, due to elaborate preservation measures, often not been publicly visible for decades. Since the works themselves do not necessarily reveal the complexity of their technology and the challenges of their preservation, the exhibition also provides an introduction to the history of technology and conservation strategies for this type of works.

The view from the past into the future

»The Story That Never Ends« thus not only tells the fascinating story of media art through the unique collection of the ZKM. It also highlights the fragility of our electrified and digitalized civilization. The exhibition allows for an in-depth insight into the art and technology history of the 20th and 21st centuries and shows how history sharpens the view of the present and stimulates the imagination of possible futures.

Wed to Fri: 10 am to 6 pm
Sat, Sun: 11 am to 6 pm

In cooperation with Swing in Karlsruhe e.V.

Jivers is a four-piece band with a specific Jazz repertoire: vocal Swing of the thirties and forties. Mainly inspired by bands like The Mills Brothers, The Andrews Sisters, and The Boswell Sisters, they adapt original arrangements to their instrumentation. Other times they create their own arrangements for less traditional songs emphasizing a close three-part harmony and imitating instruments with their voices. The rhythm section consists of a guitar and a snare drum complemented by a typical traditional 20s Jazz formation: a tuba, a banjo, and a washboard. The rest of the traditional Jazz instruments - like the trumpet, the clarinet, or the trombone - are imitated by the singers with their own voice, which is an emblematic resource of this type of vocal formations. Alongside the growing Swing dance scene in Argentina - with expressions like the Lindy Hop and the Charleston - Jivers conceive this style as "social dance music," unlike the more modern and intellectual jazz that emerged during the Be Bop era.

Doors open at 7:00 PM.

With the exhibition »The Story That Never Ends. The Collection of the ZKM«, the ZKM | Karlsruhe provides a comprehensive insight into its own collection, which, with around 12,000 works, is among the largest and most significant collections of media art in the world. The exhibition tells not only of the intertwined stories of art and technology but also of the challenges that fast-paced technological media bring to museums worldwide.

The history of media art from the 1950s to the present

Electrification and digitalization have changed the world. This transformation has not only affected our daily lives but has also impacted artistic creation. 

Since the beginning of the 20th century, artists have been using these rapidly evolving technologies and constantly expanding the expressive possibilities of art: The spectrum ranges from video, light, and sound works to motor-driven kinetic objects, as well as computer-based interactive installations or works created with the help of artificial intelligence. 

With about 100 works, »The Story That Never Ends« traces these developmental lines of the apparatus arts and their openness to the categories of space, time, and movement as well as interaction and participation – from the 1950s to the present. A selection of important key works that represent significant moments and milestones of media art illustrates the diversity and impact of these technological developments. Marie-Jo Lafontaine's monumental video sculpture »Les larmes d’acier« (1987), which ironizes the complex conceptual constellations of "man, machine, power, and sexuality," as well as Bill Viola's video-sound installation »Stations« (1994), which unites central aspects of his artistic work along with fundamental themes of human existence, or Jeffrey Shaw's »Virtual Sculpture« (1981), representing early experiments in augmented reality, form a small selection of examples here. 

At the same time, the exhibition also makes the socio-political context in which the works were created comprehensible, allowing for deductions and connections to the pressing questions of our time: Feminist works by earlier (media art) pioneers, such as pezoldo (aka Friederike Pezold), Lynn Hershman Leeson, Kirsten Geisler, or Rebecca Horn, are just as noteworthy as works reflecting the impacts of mass media like television (Nam June Paik, Wolf Vostell), the connection between technology and the military, borders and surveillance, or violence in the digital space (Paul Garrin, Hanna Haaslahti, David Rokeby) or natural ecosystems (Justine Emard, Claudia González Godoy). Artists repeatedly question the possibilities and effects of new media, rethink and redesign them, thus bringing forth new social and cultural narratives that shape the discourse about our relationship with technology. 

We perceive art, as the exhibition title suggests, as a story that will never end as long as there are people. The fact that we do not know what form it will take in the future is something it shares with technology. Our knowledge of the past and present influences how we shape the future and value what is yet to come.

The restoration of media art

„The Story That Never Ends“ not only refers to artistic development but also to the challenges museums face when collecting media artworks: Technical devices are not made for eternity, data carriers deteriorate, software standards become obsolete very quickly, and media formats are no longer readable after a few years. This means that works must continuously be monitored and technically updated by conservators. What impact does this have on art and our cultural memory? What skills do we need to develop to not only have a future but also a past?

The ZKM has an internationally recognized expertise in the conservation and restoration of media art. However, since these conservation and restoration activities mostly happen behind the scenes, »The Story That Never Ends« takes a radical step: The decision about which key works from the collection are shown in the exhibition has been entrusted to the conservators of the ZKM. In doing so, they bring hidden treasures to light that have, due to elaborate preservation measures, often not been publicly visible for decades. Since the works themselves do not necessarily reveal the complexity of their technology and the challenges of their preservation, the exhibition also provides an introduction to the history of technology and conservation strategies for this type of works.

The view from the past into the future

»The Story That Never Ends« thus not only tells the fascinating story of media art through the unique collection of the ZKM. It also highlights the fragility of our electrified and digitalized civilization. The exhibition allows for an in-depth insight into the art and technology history of the 20th and 21st centuries and shows how history sharpens the view of the present and stimulates the imagination of possible futures.

Wed to Fri: 10 am to 6 pm
Sat, Sun: 11 am to 6 pm

On an adventure journey, the troupe embarks on their new program. But since people are known to be different, their adventures turn out to be equally diverse. While for a person with limited mobility, taking the train can often become an unintentional big adventure, another person prefers to celebrate their birthday 2000 meters above the abyss. Failures, mishaps, and accidents provide the best material for holiday anecdotes. And where there are people, things often become particularly adventurous. An influencer prepares her experiences for social media, a young woman and a retiree experience micro-adventures in their neighborhood. And of course, it is a highly amusing adventure to lock the different characters into a train compartment due to force majeure, which you can experience for yourself!

Starring Thorsten H. Decker, Katharina Eggert, Camilla Häußler, Klaus Jockers, Sabine Lampertsdörfer, Clemens Lennermann, Katja Murr, Anne Pelissier, and Birk Spanger
Directed by: Steffi Lackner
Assistant: Sonja Schönhaar
Behind the scenes: Katja Murr
FSJ: Nele Hagmann
Personal assistance for C. Lennermann: Esther Zeisset

With the exhibition »The Story That Never Ends. The Collection of the ZKM«, the ZKM | Karlsruhe provides a comprehensive insight into its own collection, which, with around 12,000 works, is among the largest and most significant collections of media art in the world. The exhibition tells not only of the intertwined stories of art and technology but also of the challenges that fast-paced technological media bring to museums worldwide.

The history of media art from the 1950s to the present

Electrification and digitalization have changed the world. This transformation has not only affected our daily lives but has also impacted artistic creation. 

Since the beginning of the 20th century, artists have been using these rapidly evolving technologies and constantly expanding the expressive possibilities of art: The spectrum ranges from video, light, and sound works to motor-driven kinetic objects, as well as computer-based interactive installations or works created with the help of artificial intelligence. 

With about 100 works, »The Story That Never Ends« traces these developmental lines of the apparatus arts and their openness to the categories of space, time, and movement as well as interaction and participation – from the 1950s to the present. A selection of important key works that represent significant moments and milestones of media art illustrates the diversity and impact of these technological developments. Marie-Jo Lafontaine's monumental video sculpture »Les larmes d’acier« (1987), which ironizes the complex conceptual constellations of "man, machine, power, and sexuality," as well as Bill Viola's video-sound installation »Stations« (1994), which unites central aspects of his artistic work along with fundamental themes of human existence, or Jeffrey Shaw's »Virtual Sculpture« (1981), representing early experiments in augmented reality, form a small selection of examples here. 

At the same time, the exhibition also makes the socio-political context in which the works were created comprehensible, allowing for deductions and connections to the pressing questions of our time: Feminist works by earlier (media art) pioneers, such as pezoldo (aka Friederike Pezold), Lynn Hershman Leeson, Kirsten Geisler, or Rebecca Horn, are just as noteworthy as works reflecting the impacts of mass media like television (Nam June Paik, Wolf Vostell), the connection between technology and the military, borders and surveillance, or violence in the digital space (Paul Garrin, Hanna Haaslahti, David Rokeby) or natural ecosystems (Justine Emard, Claudia González Godoy). Artists repeatedly question the possibilities and effects of new media, rethink and redesign them, thus bringing forth new social and cultural narratives that shape the discourse about our relationship with technology. 

We perceive art, as the exhibition title suggests, as a story that will never end as long as there are people. The fact that we do not know what form it will take in the future is something it shares with technology. Our knowledge of the past and present influences how we shape the future and value what is yet to come.

The restoration of media art

„The Story That Never Ends“ not only refers to artistic development but also to the challenges museums face when collecting media artworks: Technical devices are not made for eternity, data carriers deteriorate, software standards become obsolete very quickly, and media formats are no longer readable after a few years. This means that works must continuously be monitored and technically updated by conservators. What impact does this have on art and our cultural memory? What skills do we need to develop to not only have a future but also a past?

The ZKM has an internationally recognized expertise in the conservation and restoration of media art. However, since these conservation and restoration activities mostly happen behind the scenes, »The Story That Never Ends« takes a radical step: The decision about which key works from the collection are shown in the exhibition has been entrusted to the conservators of the ZKM. In doing so, they bring hidden treasures to light that have, due to elaborate preservation measures, often not been publicly visible for decades. Since the works themselves do not necessarily reveal the complexity of their technology and the challenges of their preservation, the exhibition also provides an introduction to the history of technology and conservation strategies for this type of works.

The view from the past into the future

»The Story That Never Ends« thus not only tells the fascinating story of media art through the unique collection of the ZKM. It also highlights the fragility of our electrified and digitalized civilization. The exhibition allows for an in-depth insight into the art and technology history of the 20th and 21st centuries and shows how history sharpens the view of the present and stimulates the imagination of possible futures.

Wed to Fri: 10 am to 6 pm
Sat, Sun: 11 am to 6 pm

On an adventure journey, the troupe embarks on their new program. But since people are known to be different, their adventures turn out to be equally diverse. While for a person with limited mobility, taking the train can often become an unintentional big adventure, another person prefers to celebrate their birthday 2000 meters above the abyss. Failures, mishaps, and accidents provide the best material for holiday anecdotes. And where there are people, things often become particularly adventurous. An influencer prepares her experiences for social media, a young woman and a retiree experience micro-adventures in their neighborhood. And of course, it is a highly amusing adventure to lock the different characters into a train compartment due to force majeure, which you can experience for yourself!

Starring Thorsten H. Decker, Katharina Eggert, Camilla Häußler, Klaus Jockers, Sabine Lampertsdörfer, Clemens Lennermann, Katja Murr, Anne Pelissier, and Birk Spanger
Directed by: Steffi Lackner
Assistant: Sonja Schönhaar
Behind the scenes: Katja Murr
FSJ: Nele Hagmann
Personal assistance for C. Lennermann: Esther Zeisset

With the exhibition »The Story That Never Ends. The Collection of the ZKM«, the ZKM | Karlsruhe provides a comprehensive insight into its own collection, which, with around 12,000 works, is among the largest and most significant collections of media art in the world. The exhibition tells not only of the intertwined stories of art and technology but also of the challenges that fast-paced technological media bring to museums worldwide.

The history of media art from the 1950s to the present

Electrification and digitalization have changed the world. This transformation has not only affected our daily lives but has also impacted artistic creation. 

Since the beginning of the 20th century, artists have been using these rapidly evolving technologies and constantly expanding the expressive possibilities of art: The spectrum ranges from video, light, and sound works to motor-driven kinetic objects, as well as computer-based interactive installations or works created with the help of artificial intelligence. 

With about 100 works, »The Story That Never Ends« traces these developmental lines of the apparatus arts and their openness to the categories of space, time, and movement as well as interaction and participation – from the 1950s to the present. A selection of important key works that represent significant moments and milestones of media art illustrates the diversity and impact of these technological developments. Marie-Jo Lafontaine's monumental video sculpture »Les larmes d’acier« (1987), which ironizes the complex conceptual constellations of "man, machine, power, and sexuality," as well as Bill Viola's video-sound installation »Stations« (1994), which unites central aspects of his artistic work along with fundamental themes of human existence, or Jeffrey Shaw's »Virtual Sculpture« (1981), representing early experiments in augmented reality, form a small selection of examples here. 

At the same time, the exhibition also makes the socio-political context in which the works were created comprehensible, allowing for deductions and connections to the pressing questions of our time: Feminist works by earlier (media art) pioneers, such as pezoldo (aka Friederike Pezold), Lynn Hershman Leeson, Kirsten Geisler, or Rebecca Horn, are just as noteworthy as works reflecting the impacts of mass media like television (Nam June Paik, Wolf Vostell), the connection between technology and the military, borders and surveillance, or violence in the digital space (Paul Garrin, Hanna Haaslahti, David Rokeby) or natural ecosystems (Justine Emard, Claudia González Godoy). Artists repeatedly question the possibilities and effects of new media, rethink and redesign them, thus bringing forth new social and cultural narratives that shape the discourse about our relationship with technology. 

We perceive art, as the exhibition title suggests, as a story that will never end as long as there are people. The fact that we do not know what form it will take in the future is something it shares with technology. Our knowledge of the past and present influences how we shape the future and value what is yet to come.

The restoration of media art

„The Story That Never Ends“ not only refers to artistic development but also to the challenges museums face when collecting media artworks: Technical devices are not made for eternity, data carriers deteriorate, software standards become obsolete very quickly, and media formats are no longer readable after a few years. This means that works must continuously be monitored and technically updated by conservators. What impact does this have on art and our cultural memory? What skills do we need to develop to not only have a future but also a past?

The ZKM has an internationally recognized expertise in the conservation and restoration of media art. However, since these conservation and restoration activities mostly happen behind the scenes, »The Story That Never Ends« takes a radical step: The decision about which key works from the collection are shown in the exhibition has been entrusted to the conservators of the ZKM. In doing so, they bring hidden treasures to light that have, due to elaborate preservation measures, often not been publicly visible for decades. Since the works themselves do not necessarily reveal the complexity of their technology and the challenges of their preservation, the exhibition also provides an introduction to the history of technology and conservation strategies for this type of works.

The view from the past into the future

»The Story That Never Ends« thus not only tells the fascinating story of media art through the unique collection of the ZKM. It also highlights the fragility of our electrified and digitalized civilization. The exhibition allows for an in-depth insight into the art and technology history of the 20th and 21st centuries and shows how history sharpens the view of the present and stimulates the imagination of possible futures.

Wed to Fri: 10 am to 6 pm
Sat, Sun: 11 am to 6 pm

The summers in Karlsruhe have been getting hotter for several years now, so it's about time that the music scene keeps up!

Right now, at the beginning of the annual warm period, neversix is taking the initiative to warm up hearts and joints by releasing their first EP. No liability is accepted for any potential core meltdown. The most important ingredient for success: audience. The second most important: groove!

For the first, that's up to you; the second, the band has in tow. In addition to the tracks from the new EP, there will also be a hefty portion of fat funk fusion arrangements from a carefully selected assortment of covers.

So, if you want to get into the summer spirit, come by and shake a leg (or at least nod your head along)!

[For risks and side effects, please read the band's website or listen to the music streaming service of your choice.]

19:00 Doors open // 20:00 Start

On an adventure journey, the troupe embarks on their new program. But since people are known to be different, their adventures turn out to be equally diverse. While for a person with limited mobility, taking the train can often become an unintentional big adventure, another person prefers to celebrate their birthday 2000 meters above the abyss. Failures, mishaps, and accidents provide the best material for holiday anecdotes. And where there are people, things often become particularly adventurous. An influencer prepares her experiences for social media, a young woman and a retiree experience micro-adventures in their neighborhood. And of course, it is a highly amusing adventure to lock the different characters into a train compartment due to force majeure, which you can experience for yourself!

Starring Thorsten H. Decker, Katharina Eggert, Camilla Häußler, Klaus Jockers, Sabine Lampertsdörfer, Clemens Lennermann, Katja Murr, Anne Pelissier, and Birk Spanger
Directed by: Steffi Lackner
Assistant: Sonja Schönhaar
Behind the scenes: Katja Murr
FSJ: Nele Hagmann
Personal assistance for C. Lennermann: Esther Zeisset

On an adventure journey, the troupe embarks on their new program. But since people are known to be different, their adventures turn out to be equally diverse. While for a person with limited mobility, taking the train can often become an unintentional big adventure, another person prefers to celebrate their birthday 2000 meters above the abyss. Failures, mishaps, and accidents provide the best material for holiday anecdotes. And where there are people, things often become particularly adventurous. An influencer prepares her experiences for social media, a young woman and a retiree experience micro-adventures in their neighborhood. And of course, it is a highly amusing adventure to lock the different characters into a train compartment due to force majeure, which you can experience for yourself!

Starring Thorsten H. Decker, Katharina Eggert, Camilla Häußler, Klaus Jockers, Sabine Lampertsdörfer, Clemens Lennermann, Katja Murr, Anne Pelissier, and Birk Spanger
Directed by: Steffi Lackner
Assistant: Sonja Schönhaar
Behind the scenes: Katja Murr
FSJ: Nele Hagmann
Personal assistance for C. Lennermann: Esther Zeisset

Jacques loves wine more than people. But when the quick-witted Hortense steps into his shop, his world starts to wobble. When the petty criminal Steve storms into the store, Jacques begins a journey of self-discovery. He uncovers new talents, dares to trust, and realizes that life – just like a good wine – reveals its full flavor only in company.

Director: Holger Metzner

Doors open: 7:30 PM

At "Manu & Du," you are in the spotlight!
Because here, it's not just about watching – individual audience members can become part of the show and conquer the stage together with Manu. From small ideas, big stories emerge; from spontaneous thoughts, crazy scenes come to life, emotional moments unfold, and there are plenty of surprises.

Whether a brave heroine, a mysterious stranger, or a chaotic sidekick – those who want to can join in and become the main character of a unique improv scene for one evening. Of course, it goes without saying: No one will be forced onto the stage against their will. But everyone gets the chance to participate, try things out, and become part of the shared evening.

Doors open: 30 minutes before the performance starts - No entry after the performance begins