University treasure troves
The museums and collections
Not to be missed! Cultural highlights
What’s on during the summer semester of 2026?
The illustration depicts various cultural aspects, including a ballet dancer, an open book, a singing mouth and a camera.
Illustration: Liana Franke-Opitz
»Wir Kinder der Leichtigkeit«
Dirk von Petersdorff, a professor of literature and poet from Jena, has published a new book. In »Wir Kinder der Leichtigkeit« (We Children of Lightness), he embarks on a journey through time, recounting his own youth while also reflecting on the history of the Federal Republic of Germany. Petersdorff writes of the end of certainty, the collapse of belief in progress in society and the arts, of his own errors and confusion and of the emergence of a sense of lightness that is by no means defined simply by the disappearance of heavy, traditional middle-class cuisine. A refreshing read given the often heavy and unsettling news in recent times.
Dirk von Petersdorff: »Wir Kinder der Leichtigkeit. Unsere Geschichte seit den Siebzigern«, Verlag C.H.Beck, Munich 2026, 176 pages, ISBN: 978-3-406-84492-8, €23.00.
»Don Pasquale« by Gaetano Donizetti
From 24 June to 4 July, the Academic Orchestra Association and the University Choir, conducted by Sebastian Krahnert, once again invite you to the Court Opera in the courtyard of the University Main Building. The opera »Don Pasquale« from 1843 will be performed, transporting the audience to the world of Italian Commedia dell’arte. Plot summary: The wealthy, ageing Don Pasquale wishes to marry, and his choice falls on the far too young but extraordinarily shrewd Norina. She is also the lover of his heir, Ernesto—the perfect recipe for turbulent complications.
In addition to the regular performances, a special show for children is scheduled for 28 June. On 3 July, there will be a Court Opera special featuring the brass band »BlechKLANG«.
Tickets and dates available at: uni-jena.de/129844/hofoper de
Bernhard Schlink: »Gerechtigkeit«
Bestselling author and lawyer Bernhard Schlink will read from his latest book, »Gerechtigkeit« (Justice), on 24 June as part of the university’s »Facets of Freedom« event series. Schlink has taught in Bonn, Frankfurt am Main and Berlin, among other places. His first novel (co-authored) was published in 1987. Schlink achieved worldwide fame with his 1995 novel »Der Vorleser« (The Reader), which has been translated into over 50 languages and adapted for the screen in 2008.
In his latest book, he explains that there is no formula for justice, but rather a framework for asking questions about justice and finding answers. Following a brief introduction to his text, Schlink will engage in a discussion with moderator Walter Pauly from the University of Jena and the audience in the lecture theatre.
Info and registration at: uni-jena.de/276463/facetten-der-freiheit de
End-of-semester concert with the Psycho Choir
On Saturday 4 July, the Psycho-Chor invites you to two end-of-semester concerts at the Volksbad in Jena. The programme will feature new upbeat numbers and ballads, as well as familiar favourites, accompanied as usual by an atmospheric light show. The first concert begins at 4 pm, the second at 7 pm.
Information and tickets: psycho-chor.de/events/External link
The »Kopfkompass«
In a recent episode of the psychotherapy podcast »Kopfkompass« (literally: Head Compass), Ilona Croy, Professor of Clinical Psychology, and psychotherapist Fabian Rottstädt explore the topic »Looking good or being honest? Social desirability and psychotherapy«. As in the more than 50 other episodes, listeners gain fascinating insights into the latest research findings as well as practical knowledge on psychotherapy and mental health disorders.
Listen in: www.fsv.uni-jena.de/86691/podcast de
Lange Nacht der Museen
The University will take part in the »Lange Nacht der Museen« (Long Night of Museums) on 5 June with several events. Among other things, the current special exhibition »LICHTWECHSEL. Antike Reliefs neu sehen – 180 Jahre Archäologisches Museum Jena« (Change of light. A new perspective on ancient reliefs—180 years of the Jena Archaeological Museum) at the Collections of Classical Antiquities will be open, with guided tours at Fürstengraben 25 and in the foyer of the campus building. The Anatomical and Mineralogical Collections, the Herbarium Haussknecht, the Frommann Sculpture Garden, the Phyletic Museum, the Ernst Haeckel House, the Art and Papyrus Collections, the Prehistory and Early History Collection, the Thuringian University and State Library and Schiller’s Garden House will also be open to visitors.
All events and ticket information: nachtdermuseen.com/jenaExternal link
