“Typisch Mannheim!”
Marchivum — Mannheim, Germany
Concept Development and Creative Direction by Stacey Spiegel/PWLabs
Exhibition View of "Typisch Mannheim!" / "Typical Mannheim!" at the Marchivum, Mannheim, Germany, 2022. Video by Ingrid Forster for Parallel World Labs.
This exhibition in the MARCHIVUM traces the more than 400-year-old history of Mannheim in a way that has never been seen before. Beginning from the founding of the city in 1606/07 to the present, the big and small stories that shape Mannheim's identity to this day can be experienced through a series of interactive, multimedia installations.
The exhibition begins with a large city model that introduces Mannheim's history using three-dimensional projection mapping. Subsequently, virtually staged council minutes remind us of life in the 17th century and tell the everyday stories of a young and burgeoning city.
Johann Wilhelm, Karl Philipp and Karl Theodor talk to each other in a virtual picture gallery and boast about their deeds for the city. The scientific achievements of the 18th century era can be explored in a playful way, but are juxtaposed with examples like that of an orphanage that point to more serious societal issues during that time.
Exhibition View of "Typisch Mannheim!" / "Typical Mannheim!" at the Marchivum, Mannheim, Germany, 2022. Video by Ingrid Forster for Parallel World Labs.
The 19th century is illustrated by a large collection wall, on which Mannheim's path as a commercial and industrial city in Baden is traced. The increasing importance of the bourgeoisie, women and the labor movement, as well as the almost "American growth" into a large city around 1900 can be explored. How the water tower became Mannheim's landmark is another exciting exhibition chapter. Finally, visitors can take a virtual city tour of Mannheim in the past in a replica Benz patent motor car.
The final part of the exhibition takes a look at significant events of the 20th and 21st centuries in Mannheim. The two world wars left traces that can still be felt in the city today. A dramatic, interactive digital wall answers questions about the reconstruction of Mannheim and how the cityscape has changed. At the end of the tour, an exciting production provides information about individuals and their history, and Mannheim residents share what makes their district both livable and lovable.
Exhibition Team
Project management: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Niess, Dr. Harold Stockert, Dr. Andreas Schenk with the support of Silvia Koehler
Curators: Dr Anja Gillen, Dr. Andreas Schenk, Dr. Susanne Schlosser, Elke Schneider, Dr. Harold Stockert, Dr. Thomas Throckmorton
Exhibition Design and Production: Working group Tatwerk | finke.media and Stacey Spiegel/Parallel World Labs)