Lübeck's New Kolumbarium 'Die Eiche' Opens with 'Grünes Geheimnis' Exhibition

The historic grain warehouse 'Die Eiche' in Lübeck, once owned by the Mann family, has been converted into a non-denominational columbarium. Located at An der Untertrave 34, the building dates to 1871 and retains its old spruce struts. The memorial hall features church pews acquired in Austria's Waldviertel by initiators Peggy Morenz and Michael Angern, and a porcelain flame by Swiss artist Madlaina Lys. Urn walls line the upper floors, where personal mementos are curated sparingly. An exhibition titled 'Grünes Geheimnis', curated by art dealer Jutta Kleinknecht, displays forty artworks across the floors, spanning from a 1566 copper engraving by Johannes Wierix after Dürer to contemporary photographs by Natascha Burowsky and Simone Nieweg, both students of Bernd Becher. Other artists include Carl Wilhelm Colbe and Carl Hummel. Michael Angern's brochure on the 'Buddenbrooks' and his concept of the 'Eiche' as a site of memory are highlighted, referencing Thomas Mann's 'Joseph and His Brothers'. A trailer and a book recommendation by Angern are also noted.