Heidelberg, 28 September 2025 — The association Kultur für Europa – Kulturhauptstadt Heidelberg hosted a program at the Völkerkundemuseum Heidelberg that placed a spotlight on Philippine national hero José Rizal, contributing to the broader dialogue within Heidelberg’s bid for the title of European Capital of Culture (Kulturhauptstadt Europas).
The program featured a reading by author Annette Hug from her award-winning novel Wilhelm Tell in Manila, along with contributions from artist Joscha Steffens and scholar Prof. Dietrich Harth. Their works and insights placed Rizal at the center of discussions on literature, art, and cross-cultural exchange between the Philippines and Germany.
As part of the event, guests also visited Pieces of Life: The Philippine Collection, curated by Patrick Flores and Corazon Alvina with artists Jasmin Werner and Rocky Cajigan, and which opened to the public on 27 September 2025. The exhibition presents the museum’s Philippine holdings of baskets, textiles, adornments, tools, and other cultural objects in dialogue with contemporary works, while reflecting on the history of collecting in Heidelberg.
Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos participated in a podcast-style interview with Joscha Steffens which centered on Rizal’s historical ties to Heidelberg and emphasized the importance of these cultural linkages in the context of the Philippines’ participation as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025.
Pieces of Life: The Philippine Collection runs from 28 September 2025 to 28 March 2026 at the Völkerkundemuseum Heidelberg, Hauptstraße 235. END