Thomas Mann and AI TO EYE at the Education Campus Heilbronn: Experience Democracy and AI
Date and Time
Location
Price
About this Event
Mood
Venue Type
Two Exhibitions, One Dialogue: Democracy, Humanism, and Artificial Intelligence in Heilbronn
At the Education Campus Heilbronn, from November 6 to December 10, 2026, two exhibitions will meet to bring historical responsibility and technological change into conversation. „Thomas Mann – In the Burning Landscape of Democracy“ and „AI TO EYE“ from the Technical University of Munich and ETH Zurich open up a multifaceted aesthetic experience between literature, contemporary history, science, and digital presence.
Thomas Mann as a Voice of Democracy
The section of the exhibition dedicated to Thomas Mann focuses on the political and social engagement of the Nobel laureate. Speeches, essays, and historical archival materials document his commitment to democracy and humanism as well as his resistance against National Socialism. Central to this are his BBC radio addresses “German Listeners!”, through which Mann appealed to his compatriots during World War II.
For the presentation in Heilbronn, the exhibition will be expanded with materials from the Thomas Mann Archive at ETH Zurich. A digital research station allows for in-depth examination of his works and introduces the life, impact, and political stance of the writer. Literary history is thus made experienceable as vibrant cultural education.
AI TO EYE: Artificial Intelligence in Social Perspective
With “AI TO EYE”, ETH Zurich presents the work of Prof. Robert Riener. The exhibition examines how artificial intelligence is changing our lives, work environments, media, culture, and society. The focus is on opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities in dealing with technological developments.
Visitors can expect no purely technical presentation, but rather a human-centered engagement with digital transformation. Questions regarding autonomy, public debate, and societal shaping connect scientific expertise with an accessible exhibition language.
Historical Memory Meets Technological Present
The joint curation of both exhibitions creates a dynamic space for thought. Thomas Mann's commitment to democracy and humanism stands alongside the question of how artificial intelligence shapes our present. Both perspectives are not equated; their connection arises where human responsibility, social change, and the role of public debates become visible.
The exhibition atmosphere in the hip tower of the Education Campus thrives on the interplay between historical documents, texts, digital access, and scientific questions. Colors, shapes, and media presentation methods take a back seat to the contents and draw attention to the effects of language, memory, and technology.
Tours and In-Depth Work Examination
On November 23, 2026, a German-language tour is scheduled for 3:00 PM. In addition, tours in German and English will be offered outside of regular opening hours. The regular exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
The art experience is aimed at students, researchers, professionals, and all culture-interested individuals who wish to engage with democracy, Thomas Mann, artificial intelligence, and the relationship between science and society.
Conclusion: An Exhibition Visit as a Movement of Thought
The double exhibition connects literary heritage, political education, and contemporary technological issues into an ambitious cultural experience. Those who want to view democracy not only historically but also think about its significance for the digital future will find an inspiring place for reflection and exchange at the Education Campus Heilbronn. Admission is free – a visit to the exhibition is worthwhile as an inspiring examination of works and as a contribution to a responsible public debate.
Official Channels of TUM and ETH Zurich:
- Instagram: no official profile found
- Facebook: no official profile found
- YouTube: no official profile found
- Website: https://chn.tum.de/de/events/event-detail/termin/ausstellung-thomas-mann
