1 July 2025 press release

The exhibition titled “Antitext” by the Literary Museum of Kharkiv (Ukraine) will be shown at the German Museum of Books and Writing of the German National Library between 1 and 31 July 2025. The exhibition explores the ways in which censorship and the banning of literary texts impact a society’s cultural identity.

Our cultural memory defines who we are. Texts are an essential instrument of this memory. But what happens to texts which do not conform with the state's official ideology, which become "anti-texts" and remain hidden or are even destroyed? Conceived by the literary museum in Kharkiv, the exhibition "Antitext" traces Ukraine's complex literary history with this question in mind. It not only explores the impact of the totalitarian Soviet regime on Ukrainian literature and culture during the 20th century but also takes a look at the current situation. The objective of "Antitext" is to illustrate how texts shape our cultural memory and what influence forgotten, banned or censored works have on society.

Works by Ukrainian authors which could be protected and preserved despite all attempts at destruction are presented. However, the items shown are no traditional exhibits such as manuscripts and drafts. This conceptional approach is symbolic of the situation currently facing Ukrainian museums, in which cultural heritage has to be hidden to preserve it for future generations. The responsibility borne by commemorative institutions dedicated to democracy, freedom of opinion and the rule of law is also highlighted.

The exhibition ties in with the permanent exhibition at the German Museum of Books and Writing (DBSM), which explores 5,000 years of media history. Divided into eleven modules, the DBSM's exhibition presents media history as the history of freedom of speech. This is particularly apparent in the module on "censorship", which uses 19 examples drawn from media history. "Antitext" expands on this chapter.

The exhibition is linked to the 2023 “before/after” exhibition about destroyed cultural institutions in Ukraine. In this context, the museum was able to set up two scholarships for exile authors and numerous reading events with exiled Ukrainians were realised, too.

The exhibition "Antitext", curated by Kharkiv Literary Museum, is now being hosted in Leipzig after spending time at locations such as Graz and Berlin.

Antitext

Exhibition by the Literary Museum of Kharkiv (Ukraine) at the German National Library’s German Museum of Books and Writing
1 to 31 July 2025

Opening hours and admission

Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00
Thursday 10:00 to 20:00
Public holidays 10:00 to 18:00
Closed on Mondays
Admission free

Information: www.dnb.de/EN/antitext

Background

The German National Library collects, documents and archives all written publications and sound recordings issued in Germany since 1913 together with works in German and about Germany published worldwide; it then makes them available to the public. It offers a comprehensive range of services at its sites in Leipzig and Frankfurt am Main along with digital services that can be accessed all over the world insofar as this is permitted by copyright.

The German National Library also holds extensive special collections of inestimable value in the German Exile Archive 1933–1945 and the German Museum of Books and Writing. It regularly organises readings, exhibitions, presentations and concerts to draw attention to its treasures and promotes a culture of books, reading and music with a diverse programme of events.

The German National Library welcomes donations to support its work. Whether for general purposes or specifically for the areas of education, collections, cultural programmes and research - donations help us preserve our national cultural heritage, educate our public in the fields of science and culture, and kindle their enthusiasm. Any support helps!

www.dnb.de/EN/engagement

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