December 23, 2025 marks the 125th anniversary of Arnold Bode's (1900–1977) birth. The documenta archive will conclude the documenta anniversary year on December 6 with a panel discussion that approaches the documenta founder through the memories of contemporary witnesses.

Among them are E. R. Nele, sculptor and daughter of Arnold Bode, his student Heiner Georgsdorf, later professor of art education at the Kassel Art Academy, Kassel gallery owner Karin Melchior, long-time mayor of Kassel, Minister President of the State of Hesse and Federal Minister of Finance Hans Eichel, and Berlin art historian Professor Adrian von Buttlar.

Personal memories will bring “Bode the man” to life, his restless drive, his commitment to his hometown of Kassel, his artistic ideals, and the documenta. The evening will recount how Arnold Bode consistently used his friendly, professional, and institutional relationships since 1946 to turn war-torn Kassel into a venue for avant-garde art exhibitions. The art system of the Federal Republic of Germany appears to be concentrated in the person of Bode, his closest companions, and his growing team.

When: December 6, 2025, 7 p.m.

Where: Fridericianum, event hall

Introduction and moderation: Birgitta Coers, Director of the documenta archive

Film collage and panel discussion

Followed by a get-together in the foyer of the Fridericianum