»All in Order?« – Our annual theme 2025

In 2025, the Francke Foundations will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the reopening of the Cabinet of Artefacts and Natural Curiosities in the Historical Orphanage. Inspired by the innovative classification system of the baroque Cabinet, the motto of the annual program is »All in order?«.

The highlight of the annual program is our annual exhibition »300 years of curiosity. Hidden Knowledge from the Cabinet of Artefacts and Natural Curiosities of the Historical Orphanage« (May 10 to February 2, 2026). The exhibition honors its reconstruction and accessibility in 1995 and offers an »instruction manual« for the »walk-in exhibit« Cabinet. The exhibition route spans the unique classification system of the objects and collection furniture to the then ultra-modern systematization of the natural objects, goes in search of lost and enigmatic objects, approaches the India cabinet from a post-colonial perspective, follows visitors from the 18th century on a journey through time and also takes a look at the Wunderkammer landscape in the 21st century.

You can look forward to tried-and-tested event formats, family events, scientific projects and exciting guests! Transformation researcher Maja Göpel will open the annual program on 22 March to mark the Francke celebrations. She asks why we need a new idea of ecological and social order.

On May 20, sociologist Steffen Mau will be a guest in the »Personalities in Conversation« series and will talk about social division and unification. On November 21, author Axel Hacke will reflect humorously and sensitively on collecting and organizing and the challenges of everyday life.

We would like to introduce you to two new event formats this year:
The »Kulturaperitif« offers short themed tours of hidden treasures in the Cabinet of Artefacts and Natural Curiosities, followed by an aperitif and a discount at the Nudelmanufaktur Tranquebar restaurant. In summer, there are short evening tours entitled »Evening Serenade« with a musical finale on the balcony of the orphanage.

As usual, you can find all the information in our calendar of events.

Immerse yourself in the entire annual program of the Francke Foundations! On 68 pages, we invite you to read exciting articles from the fields of culture, science and education, illustrated with artistic photographic perspectives, in our annual magazine 2025 »Alles in Ordnung?«. Read exclusive background stories, personal voices from the life of the foundation, discover the innovative LeoLab - Young Museum in the reportage and look forward to the big interview with Maja Göpel. Another highlight: the first publication of the historical tour guide instructions from 1741!
Get your exclusive insight into our foundation year now - free of charge at the information center in Francke`s Home (Tue - Sun, 10 am - 5 pm).