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Hengstenberg's life's work: New exhibition celebrates a pioneer in Zehlendorf
Discover the exhibition “SITZEN” about Elfriede Hengstenberg, opened on February 5th, 2026 in the Ingeborg Drewitz Library, Berlin.
Hengstenberg's life's work: New exhibition celebrates a pioneer in Zehlendorf
The Ingeborg Drewitz Library in Berlin-Zehlendorf will open the exhibition “SITTING – playing with balance” on February 5, 2026 at 5 p.m. This exhibition is dedicated to the important movement and pedagogical work of Elfriede Hengstenberg, who lived from 1892 to 1992. Those interested are offered the special opportunity to discover previously unknown photographs from her extensive work, which deals with the movement work of children, young people and adults.
The exhibition is a tribute to a remarkable woman whose contributions to education and movement went unnoticed for a long time. Hengstenberg, who worked in elementary schools in Zehlendorf, was passionate about promoting empathy and the overall development of children. The opening of the exhibition takes place on the occasion of the renaming of a square in Zehlendorf, which will in future be called Elfriede-Hengstenberg-Platz. This square was inaugurated on September 12, 2025, in a ceremony led by district councilor Urban Aykal and initiator Dirk Jordan.
A look at the female perspective and history
Hengstenberg is honored as a symbol of women whose valuable contributions to society are often overshadowed by history and have not received the public recognition they deserve. Despite the adversities of National Socialism, she stuck to her principles and put her skills to the service of the persecuted, which brought her into focus as a person and educator.
The exhibition will also present fragments of Hengstenberg's letters, reports and manuscripts, providing deeper insights into her life and beliefs. The exhibition is curated by movement educator Gerburg Fuchs, whose expertise helps shed light on Hengstenberg's work from a modern perspective.
Details about the exhibition
The exhibition “SITTING – playing with balance” can be seen from February 5th to April 11th, 2026. There is no charge for entry and no pre-registration is required. This makes the exhibition an accessible opportunity to engage with psychomotor development and the important work of a visionary educator.
For further information about the exhibition and the exact procedures, those interested can read the official announcement berlin.de read up.