Spot on

In this cabinet exhibition, around 20 artists commemorate the “GeSoLei” – an exhibition for health care, social welfare and physical exercises – which opened 100 years ago and made Düsseldorf the site of the largest exhibition of the Weimar Republic in 1926. A few years after the First World War, it propagated the ideal of a “new, capable human being” – an image that was later ideologically appropriated and radicalized under National Socialism. Topics such as medicine, sport, social welfare, hygiene, nutrition and body culture were central, supplemented by a broad cultural and entertainment program.

Between May 8 and October 15, 1926, over 7.5 million people visited the 400,000 square meter site. The ensemble of buildings on Ehrenhof, consisting of Tonhalle, exhibition buildings and Rheinterrasse, was built between 1925 and 1926 in just 18 months specifically for this occasion. It was designed by architect and academy professor Wilhelm Kreis, who put himself at the service of the regime during National Socialism.

Around 20 artists created sculptures, mosaics, murals and glass works. Numerous works are still preserved around the Ehrenhof. The exhibition commemorates this important chapter in the city's history one hundred years ago.

The Kunstpalast will also be focusing on fitness, movement and the ideal body feeling from November 5, 2026: Inspired by the historical focus on “physical exercises”, the exhibition GYM – Fit with Art combines the joy of movement and art and invites visitors to experience our collection with full physical engagement. More information about GYM can be found here.

The cabinet exhibition was curated by Barbara Til, Head of the Sculpture, Applied Arts & Glass Collection