In Hesse's gardens: on compost, art and awareness

Hermann Hesse was not only one of the most important German-language writers of the 20th century, but also a passionate gardener. Throughout his life, working in the garden was an important counterbalance to his writing and at the same time a source of literary inspiration. Whether by Lake Constance, in Bern or in Ticino – he devotedly created gardens wherever he lived, which were far more than just places of retreat.

The exhibition guides visitors through the garden spaces designed and described by the writer and sheds light on the connection between Hesse's literary work and his gardening practice. In his letters, he reflects on the hardships of gardening, but also on the pleasure it gave him. The exhibition explores the various facets of his gardens as spaces for personal transformation, reflection and political discourse. Through a sensory approach, the exhibition invites visitors to discover Hesse's gardens as a microcosm in which the small and everyday takes on a larger dimension. The garden thus becomes a setting for culture and creativity, for growth and change. Between flowerbeds, compost heaps and fruit trees, Hesse found answers to the big questions of life.

Curated by Marcel Henry & Céline Burget

Radio happenings all year round from Lumpen Station

Opening

• Saturday, 29.03.2025
• 4.30 pm, Sala Boccadoro (Montagnola)

Followed by the performance THE GARDEN by Onzgi & Mansoureh Aalai in the Piazzetta in front of the museum. Before the opening, at 3:30 pm, conference “Wie eine verlorene Heimat - Hermann Hesse's Freude am Garten” by Volker Michels (DE), Sala Boccadoro.

Timetable

01.04.2025 — 31.10.2025

• Mo – Su: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm

01.11.2025 — 31.03.2026

• Sa – Su: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm