Humboldt today – celebrating the anniversary of a discoverer and networker

Videos & Statements

For me, Humboldt today means ...

How modern and how relevant is Alexander von Humboldt today, 250 years after his birth? Personal answers, stories and ideas.

Discussion

“Humboldt would get involved – and how?!”

A festival was held at the Humboldt University of Berlin in honour of the man who lent the institution its name. “Humboldt would get involved – and how?!” – this was the question addressed by Anita Engels, Rahel Jaeggi, Cem Özdemir, Erck Rickmers and Nora Milena in a discussion about challenges facing the world – and the role of science

Portrait

The Humboldt Code

He was an obsessive networker, a daredevil and a marketing genius. The reports on his travels and adventures earned him star status. Today, on the 250th anniversary of his birth, the Prussian scholar is still revered. On the secret of an eternal idol.

Quotes

If Humboldt were on Twitter today

He liked to formulate succinct sentences and deliver punch lines. He took a stand against slavery, colonialism and environmental destruction. What stance would Humboldt take on current issues? We present his quotes in a new light.

Expedition

Humboldt’s Travels

Alexander von Humboldt left the shores of Europe for the first time in 1799. His country of embarkation was Spain and his destination the ‘New World’. Insights into Humboldt’s great American voyage from 1799 to 1804.

Picture gallery

Happy Birthday, Alex!

Our network and our staff honour the memory of the man after whom our foundation is named.

Interview

“Everybody’s star”

Whether as a discoverer, Romantic, Atlanticist, climate prophet or working class hero: there isn’t just one Humboldt, but lots of them. Historian of science, Nicolaas A. Rupke, has investigated how the various images of Humboldt have come about.

Interview

Humboldt’s Groove

Akexander von Humboldt providing the inspiration for hip hop music? Is that even possible? Absolutely – „Humboldt’s Groove“ is the name of the track by Cuban rapper El Temba and Retrogott (real name Kurt Tallert) from Cologne. The latter is known for the social criticism of his lyrics. In Humboldt's ideas he recognises above all a political affinity.

Exhibition

Knowledge as gain

The Museum für Naturkunde Berlin has some 1100 exhibits related to Alexander von Humboldt. In the exhibition titled "Ein langdauernder Werth" ("A lasting value"), some of them tell remarkable stories about the history of geology.

Humboldt Games

“Think of it as similar to the Olympics”

Every two years, a number of German schools in the Andean states embark on a mission to find the "campéon" of the Humboldt Games. Teams from as many as 14 educational institutions compete for medals in three disciplines. The 20th Juegos Humboldt were hosted by the German school "Federico Fröbel" in the Bolivian city of Cochabamba.