Paul Maar: Museum in Hallstadt celebrates the children's book master!

Paul Maar: Museum in Hallstadt celebrates the children's book master!

Paul Maar, a highly esteemed children's book author whose works have been translated into over 40 languages, is being honored with his own museum in Hallstadt. Hallstadt is his mother's birthplace, which makes the museum's location even more significant. The development of this museum is being pushed forward in collaboration with the University of Bamberg. In February 2025, a team of European ethnology students began inventorying Maar's legacy, which was handed over to the city of Hallstadt. This inventory was completed on August 31, 2025, as uni-bamberg.de reported.

Around 5,000 objects, including books, manuscripts, photos, film props, Sams dolls, drawings, fan mail and personal notes, were documented. The feedback from Melissa Link, one of the master's students, underlines the value of the project: "It solidified my career aspirations in the museum sector." Inventory is crucial not only for museum planning, but also for subsequent inventory management. Prof. Dr. Heidrun Alzheimer, who leads the project, developed a practical module on museum training for the students, who can thus gain practical experience in museum practice.

Special features of the inheritance

Paul Maar's legacy contains numerous personal testimonies, including photos from reading trips and handwritten sketches. Particularly curious are the props from the second Sams film from 2003, which were kept in a city guide's garage. The diversity and wealth of materials make this collection a valuable document for the cultural history of children's literature.

The inventory was carried out in close cooperation with the city of Hallstadt and the state office for non-state museums in Bavaria. This joint effort testifies to the high value that Maar's work has in both literature and cultural education. The official opening of the museum is planned in the next few years, which should further intensify interest in Paul Maar's work.

Public event at Kulturboden Hallstadt

In October 2025, a public event entitled “Paul Maar and his world” will take place at the Kulturboden Hallstadt. This event includes a panel discussion and an exhibition of Paul Maar's graphics. Paul Maar himself will take part in the event, which illustrates the importance and public interest in his life's work. With this project, the University of Bamberg also aims to keep Paul Maar's legacy alive for future generations and to facilitate access to his works sonntagsblatt.de supplemented.

In addition, the importance of these collections in the context of historical children's and youth literature research is highlighted by initiatives such as those of the J.C. University Library. Senckenberg to emphasize. These include, among other things, unique exemplary holdings that contribute to the contextualization and deepening of Maar's influence on children's literature sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de describes.