Concept

Our concept

Welcome to our exhibition Bridges - Visions of Europe
Since the euro tangibly replaces national currencies in our purses and wallets, Europe takes a further step closer together. Since then, the European integration has become a more direct and everyday experience. But how well do we know Europe and its history? Would you have known, for example, what the twelve stars on the European flag stand for? The answer - apparently easy and obvious - is surprising. There is a good reason why euro notes bear stylised images of bridges from various periods of European architecture as an identifying feature. Bridges are symbols: constructions which overcome natural divisions and create links. There are also numerous bridges in a figurative sense: songs, books and films to name just three. We are looking for these links. Our exhibition offers you some of our selected Visions of Europe in this context. Please tell us about your Visions of Europe and bridge-building ideas! What does Europe and a Vision of Europe mean to you? Our exhibition is divided into four subject areas: extent of Europe, religion, culture and technology and transport. By choosing a main subject on the start page you are led to four chapters which are structured according to the same principle: the first page shows a bridge which represents the content of the chapter. These may be real bridges or "bridges" which create a link in a figurative sense. Whilst the second page is devoted to the cultural history of the subject, the third page shows what significance the subject has for us today. At the same time, our exhibition is also a bridge spanning the past and the present! The history of European symbols has a chapter of its own which you can call up from each page via a text link with this name. If our exhibition has stimulated your interest in Europe and its history, you can obtain further information from the bibliography and links list. With a bit of luck, you can also win a copy of "Das europäische Geschichtsbuch" in our quiz. And now, enjoy your virtual excursion into European history!