History of the Goethe-Institut

Explore the history of the Goethe-Institut and discover surprising, curious, and exciting moments from more than 70 years of cultural and language work worldwide.

A Quick Dip

Out of Germany and into the world
1951-1969

The founding of the Goethe-Institut in 1951 lays the groundwork for the language and cultural institute’s worldwide activities.

Photo: Michael Friedel
Contemporary art
1970-1988

The social change that accompanies the worldwide student movements also affects the Goethe-Institut, which now takes up more critical positions on socio-political issues.

© Goethe-Institut Archiv
New institutes in the Eastern Europe
1989-1997

The fall of the Iron Curtain allows the Goethe-Institut to expand its activities into the countries of Eastern Europe.

Photo: Bernhard Ludewig
Upheaval in the era of terrorism
1998-2007

The events of the 11th of September 2001 have a fundamental impact on the Goethe-Institut’s activities: The attacks in the USA raise the world’s awareness of the importance of intercultural dialogue and understanding.

© Goethe-Institut
Focus on Africa and Digital Transformation
2008-today

Supported by the “Aktion Afrika” initiative launched by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Goethe-Institut is strengthening its cooperation with Africa and opening several new institutes on the neighbouring continent.

Photo: Jörg Gläscher

Deeper Dive

In profile

Once an exporter of culture, today a global networker: The Goethe-Institut has frequently changed tracks over the course of its history. From ballet in traditional German folk dress in the 1960s to the discourse on postcolonialism of the present day.

For further reading

"The Goethe-Institut. A history from 1951 to today": In her book, Carola Lentz offers a lively insight into the history and work of the Goethe-Institut.

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History of the Goethe-Institut

A Quick Dip

Out of Germany and into the world
1951-1969

Contemporary art
1970-1988

New institutes in the Eastern Europe
1989-1997

Upheaval in the era of terrorism
1998-2007

Focus on Africa and Digital Transformation
2008-today

Deeper Dive

Deeper Dive

In profile

Archives

For further reading

Follow us

History of the Goethe-Institut

A Quick Dip

Out of Germany and into the world 1951-1969

Contemporary art 1970-1988

New institutes in the Eastern Europe 1989-1997

Upheaval in the era of terrorism 1998-2007

Focus on Africa and Digital Transformation 2008-today

Deeper Dive

Deeper Dive

In profile

Archives

For further reading

Follow us

Out of Germany and into the world
1951-1969

Contemporary art
1970-1988

New institutes in the Eastern Europe
1989-1997

Upheaval in the era of terrorism
1998-2007

Focus on Africa and Digital Transformation
2008-today