Vienna 1948: Allied occupation, bombed-out buildings, dark streets, the harshness of poverty contrasting with the bars and dance halls - and the beginning of the Cold War. But the Marshall Plan, monetary reform and amnesty for 'minor Nazis' paved the way for an economic and ideological rebirth.

Less attention was paid to the fate of tens of thousands of Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe, for whom Vienna became the gateway to the West. In their wake came Paul Celan (real name Paul Antschel) on foot from Bucharest with his epic poem "Todesfuge". He forced his way into the avant-garde group centred around the Agathon gallery. Friends arranged readings, and his first collection of poems "Der Sand aus den Urnen", was published, but he ordered it to be pulped again because of numerous printing errors. Among Hans Weigel's circle of acquaintances, Celan met Ingeborg Bachmann, with whom he developed an intensive literary relationship.

The exhibition is devoted to the artistic world of Paul Celan during his six-month sojourn in Vienna. Photos, books and rare collector's items tell the cultural and political story of a strife-torn city that was unable to offer the homeless poet a permanent abode.

Curator: Marcus Patka

Paul Celan in Vienna 1947/48