Gefühlsdinge – How to Listen to Objects

In the organizer's words:

What happens when we listen to objects instead of owning them?

Our world is spinning faster than ever - and poses new challenges to our social cohesion. Our reactions are often very emotional. "Gefühlsdinge" brings together the emotions and memories of Jewish communities with objects from the museum. In the exhibition, Berlin Jews from 14 countries of origin enter into a dialog with historical objects from the museum's collection. The stories of these objects have mostly been lost due to the Shoah, the turmoil of wars and crises. In doing so, we address central questions of memory and belonging. The exhibition shows the museum as a living meeting place where past and present come together - and where listening becomes an essential form of understanding.

Immerse yourself in the immersive animated film "Verwandlung". Experience the power of objects that connect past, present and communities. The film invites you to experience moments, memories and associations that Berlin Jews today associate with historical objects from the museum's collection.

What feelings do things evoke?

In six workshops, Jewish Berliners listened to the objects from the museum's collection and responded with their own stories and things. Because objects are resonating bodies. Their sound and smell, their shape and color speak to us. They form bridges that lead us through the fractured history. Feel the emotions that move Jewish artists and activists today when they make contact with the objects. Some things evoke pride or affection, anger or fear. These feelings are not passive, they drive and motivate action. Whether positions against the war in Ukraine or against group-related misanthropy such as anti-Semitism and racism - find out which topics move Jews.

Experience the destroyed main prayer hall of the New Synagogue Berlin, now virtually reconstructed. The prayer hall, which had room for 3,200 people before it was damaged in 1943 and blown up in 1958, has been brought back to life in the virtual world as a once important place for Jews.

Price information:

7,00€ regular 4,50€ reduced