The Great  Escape Room

An inspiring escape in the footsteps of Goethe's “Italian Journey”. From 14–20 October 2024 at Paulsplatz in Frankfurt. Free of charge.

Follow in Goethe's footsteps and discover the Guest of Honour of Frankfurter Buchmesse 2024.

Italy is our Guest of Honour, appearing with the theme “Rooted in the Future.” It's a country whose creative tradition combines with a spirit of optimism. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also felt this spirit of optimism when he left over two centuries ago on his Italian Journey, which was published in 1816/17 as a travelogue in diary form. In the midst of a deep artistic crisis, Goethe set off for Italy without further ado and, far away from everyday life and routines, got to know himself better than ever before. Afterwards, he returned to Weimar with a wealth of unforgettable experiences and new strength.

To celebrate Italy's role as Guest of Honour at this year's Frankfurter Buchmesse, you are invited to take an inspirational break to follow in the footsteps of Goethe. Experience the most important stages of Goethe's journey to Italy in a fun way at “The Great Escape Room” on Paulsplatz in Frankfurt – where Goethe's flat in Rome on Via del Corso is reconstructed. Break out with Goethe and, with a little luck, win free tickets for a Sunday visit to Frankfurter Buchmesse and the Goethe House. Have fun solving the puzzles and tasks!

Immersed

in Goethe's flat in Rome on Via del Corso

Join Goethe

on an escape to Italy

Dare to make “The Great Escape” at Frankfurt's Paulsplatz.

When?
14 October: 1.00 - 6.00 pm
15 - 20 October: 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
Where?
Paulsplatz, Frankfurt am Main
For up to six people
Length: 20 minutes
Exciting puzzles, tasks and surprises
Prizes include tickets to the book fair on Sunday and to the Goethe House

Free admission
No pre-registration necessary. Just drop by.

The Great Escape – a desire that lives on today.

The Great Escape

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Goethe's “Italian Journey”: diary, travelogue, world literature.

Who can't relate to the need to get away from it all and discover new places? It's what Goethe did, and he returned full of ideas and creativity. It ultimately led to the completion of many of his works, such as: “Faust”, “Iphigenia in Tauris” and, of course, his “Italian Journey”. Anyone reading “Italian Journey” today is amazed at how much this work continues to shape the modern, idealised image of Italy. The book is full of erudition, cultural curiosity and Mediterranean sensuality – and a literary declaration of love for a unique country.

Escape and awakening

After ten years as a privy councillor at the court of Weimar, Goethe experienced a creative crisis because his official duties left him no time for his poetry. Without warning or saying goodbye, Goethe fled the confines of Weimar in 1786 and set out from Carlsbad on a stagecoach journey to Italy under the pseudonym “Jean Philippe Möller, painter!” This moment was to become a turning point in his life.

Italy in its entirety

Goethe travelled in Italy for a year and a half. The long journey was quite arduous, as Goethe travelled alone, without social obligations. The journey took him over the Brenner Pass to Lake Garda, then to Verona and Venice, and further south via Bologna to Rome. From there he travelled on to Naples and then by ship to Sicily. Thoroughly inspired by the country's culture and nature, Goethe returned to Weimar after Easter 1788.

"Rome is eternal, like the sky itself."

By far the most important stop on his journey was Rome. He spent most of his time here, living under a false name in the “artists’ commune” of the painter Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein. He immersed himself in the architectural and cultural heritage of the Eternal City and enjoyed the southern European climate. All of this worked wonders: it was here in Rome that the poet finally overcame his writer's block.

A diary becomes world literature

Goethe kept a detailed diary throughout his entire trip in Italy. After returning to Weimar, however, he quickly lost the desire to transform it into a travelogue. It took until 1816/17 for him to complete the first part of “Italian Journey”, still in diary form, but highly stylised. The book was published under his autobiographical writings and became one of the most famous travelogues in literary history.

"The land where the lemon trees bloom"

Goethe remained inspired by his journey throughout his life, which he later referred to in letters as a “rebirth” that rejuvenated him. Numerous works of art, ceramics and antique statues in his home in Weimar bear witness to the strong influence of his trip to Italy. When Goethe's “Italian Journey” was published as a book, it gave literary expression to the Germans' longing for Italy – and it still does to this day!

Our Guest of Honour Italy: “Rooted in the Future.”

Get ready for Italy at Frankfurter Buchmesse! Experience the rich, traditional culture of our Guest of Honour with our extensive programme. Many Italian authors will be there, including numerous young voices, and you can look forward to many exciting events.

Experience Goethe up close: at the Goethe House in Frankfurt

The Goethe House in Frankfurt gives you a glimpse into the daily life of the Goethe family, as well as life in 18th-century Frankfurt. Goethe spent his childhood and most of his youth here, creating his early works until he set out for Weimar in 1775. The rooms, still furnished in their original style, invite you on a unique journey of discovery.

About “The Great Escape Room”

“The new project originated as an idea of the city's marketing department, in close cooperation with Frankfurter Buchmesse and Freies Deutsches Hochstift, the organisation behind the Goethe House. It will connect the city – as the birthplace of the book fair and its most famous son, Johann Wolfgang Goethe –to this year's Guest of Honour, Italy.”

Stephanie Wüst

Frankfurt City Councillor

"In 2023, we celebrated our milestone anniversary with the “75 Years – 75 Stories” campaign at St Paul's Church, where the history of Frankfurter Buchmesse began in 1949. I am very pleased that we are able to build on this successful co-operation with the City of Frankfurt. The Escape Room on Paulsplatz is a special way to experience Goethe and our Guest of Honour Italy together."

Juergen Boos

Director Frankfurter Buchmesse

"The origin of Goethe's lifelong passion for Italy can be found in his childhood home in Frankfurt. Here, as a child, he already admired the precious paintings of Rome that his father had brought back from his trip to Italy. However, it would be many years before Goethe himself was able to travel to Italy, where he was "absolutely happy for the first time" in his life. In 2024, we will bring the spirit of Italy to the heart of the city, very close to the Goethe House and based on Goethe's journey. It is a beautiful tribute to a bond that crosses borders to this day and is shared by many."

Prof. Dr. Anne Bohnenkamp-Renken

Director of Freies Deutsches Hochstift

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The Great Escape Room