PROTEST! – From Anger to Movement (Stuttgart, 2024–2025)

Sometimes one encounters exhibitions that do not merely inform, but rather trigger something. “PROTEST! From Anger to Movement” at the Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg was one such exhibition. Curated with noticeable care and a sense of dramaturgy, it connected history, present, and emotion – and above all, encouraged one thing: self-reflection.

Protest in Many Forms

Colorful banners, historical photos, stirring voices, and projections: The exhibition presented protest as a multifaceted phenomenon – loud and quiet, angry and hopeful at the same time. It ranged from the Peasants’ War and the peace movement to current climate protests. Visitors immersed themselves in the energy of past and present movements, united by the same question: What compels people to rise up?

Between Emotion and Structure

The balance between documentation and experience was compelling. The exhibition combined archival material with immersive spaces where visitors could position themselves. Those who wished could join a human chain, listen to protest songs, or experience virtual demonstrations. It was precisely this proximity that made the topic tangible – and from a photographic perspective: wonderfully staged.

A Space for Reflection – and for Breaking Out

A striking highlight was an old car, positioned in front of a floor-to-ceiling red wall bearing the white inscription “ANGER”. Next to it, a striking tool was available – anyone who wished could hit the car with it, literally letting off steam. An unusual but effective means of making the theme physically tangible. The activity was well-received and added a physical dimension to the exhibition: the vent as a symbol for pent-up energy.

A Space for Reflection

What remained most strongly in my memory was the atmosphere – calm, focused, almost reverent. The exhibition managed to visualize the noise of protest while simultaneously creating silence. It was not a heroic, but an honest portrayal: anger as a starting point, movement as hope. It posed not only the big questions, but also the very personal ones – how much courage does change require?

Curated with Conviction

“PROTEST!” was cleverly structured – with a clear narrative, strong media visuals, and an open message: participation begins with understanding. That the exhibition was shown in Stuttgart was no coincidence – here, history and present converge. It was curated by the team of the Haus der Geschichte Baden-Württemberg in collaboration with Jangled Nerves, who once again demonstrated how exhibition design can connect emotion and knowledge. A signature style that has already impressed me in projects like “Weltenbrand” or “Uffrur”.

Conclusion

“PROTEST!” was not a simple exhibition – and that is precisely what made it valuable. It made me reflect on what protest truly means, beyond the headlines: showing conviction, enduring doubt, listening. An exhibition that lingers – in the mind and in the heart.

PROTEST! – from Anger to Movement