Spot on
100 Years GeSoLei
8 May 2026 – 21 February 2027
Date
8 May 2026 – 21 February 2027
Location
» KunstpalastAdmission: 16 € / concessions 12 €
Children / young people under 18: free
Members of Friends of the Kunstpalast: free
In 1926, Düsseldorf became the venue for the exhibition on healthcare, social welfare and physical exercise –“GeSoLei“ for short , the largest exposition of the Weimar Republic. In the wake of the First World War, the event promoted the ideal of a “new, capable human being” – an image that was later co-opted and radicalised for ideological purposes during the Nazi era. Topics such as medicine, sport, social welfare, hygiene, nutrition and physical culture were the focus, complemented by a wide-ranging cultural and entertainment program.
Between 8 May and 15 October 1926, over 7.5 million people visited the 400,000-square-metre site. Architect and academy professor Wilhelm Kreis designed the building ensemble at the Ehrenhof especially for the occasion. The complex of buildings on Ehrenhof, comprising the Tonhalle, exhibition halls and the Rhine Terrace, was constructed between 1925 and 1926 in just 18 months specifically for this occasion. It was designed by the architect and academy professor Wilhelm Kreis, who served the regime during the Nazi era.
Around 20 artists created sculptures, mosaics, murals and glassworks. Many of these works can still be seen around the Ehrenhof. The exhibition commemorates this significant chapter in the city’s history from a century ago.
From 5 November 2026, the Kunstpalast will be focusing on fitness, exercise and feeling good about your body: inspired by the historical theme of ‘physical exercise’, the exhibition GYM – Fit with Art combines the joy of movement with that of art, inviting visitors to experience our collection with their whole bodies. You can find more information about GYM here.
The Exhibition was curated by Barbara Til, Head of the Sculpture, Applied Arts & Glass Collection.
Picture credits
Picture credits