Commemoration

Centenary of the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft

Fri, Jul 5, 2019
4–5.30 pm
Free admission
In German

Meadow on the shore of the Spree
Photo: Archives of the Magnus Hirschfeld Society, Berlin

On July 6, 1919, Magnus Hirschfeld opened the world’s first Institut für Sexualwissenschaft (institute of sexual research) on the site where HKW stands today. The physician, a gay, Jewish social democrat, thus established an institute that was unique in its nature and significance: a place of scientific research, teaching and training, an archive, library and the origin of sexual reform efforts, but also a refuge for homosexual and trans-identifying people. It was completely destroyed by the Nazis in 1933. One hundred years after its founding, representatives from politics and the queer community will commemorate this extraordinary institution on its historic site.

With Ralf Dose (Magnus Hirschfeld Society), Jan Feddersen (Queeres Kulturhaus), Christiane Härbel (Queeres Kulturhaus) and Daniel Neugebauer (HKW)

An event by the Bundesstiftung Magnus Hirschfeld, Queeres Kulturhaus (E2H), Magnus Hirschfeld Society, hosted by HKW