The Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, Chennai, is in a celebratory mood this year and for good reason. 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of the institute, which has been at the heart of cultural exchange and collaboration between India and Germany for decades.
Like its counterparts in other Indian cities, the Chennai institute was originally known as Max Mueller Bhavan, after the German Indologist Friedrich Max MĂŒller (1823â1900), whose scholarship at Oxford on ancient Indian texts left a lasting mark on the study of Indian philology, history, and religion.
A German class in progress at the Max Mueller Bhavan in 1974
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THE HINDU ARCHIVES
Founded in 1960 as a centre for German language and cultural exchange, the institute began on Mount Road, where it was based for its first 14 years. It later moved to Cathedral Road, then KNK Road, and today it is at Rutland Gate. Though the buildings have changed, the essence of the Goethe-Institut, has remained constant; offering an open, welcoming space for everyone drawn to German language, culture, and ideas.
Over the years, the organisation has collaborated with artists from both countries, among them Pina Bausch, Chandralekha, GĂŒnter Grass, and A. R. Rahman. It has nurtured creative exchanges across genres, supported exhibitions, and provided a platform for emerging talent. Its role in co-founding the Chennai Photo Biennale and many other partnerships has deepened these connections.
An audio-visual class of German in progress at the Max Mueller Bhavan in Madras in 1982.
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HINDU PHOTO ARCHIVES
Beyond culture, the institute has been a gateway to the German language for thousands of learners. Children, young adults, professionals, and students preparing for higher education in Germany have all found their way here. For anyone in Chennai seeking to learn German, the Goethe-Institut has long been the place to go.
âFor 65 years Goethe-Institut Chennai has been a vibrant space in the heart of the city, bringing together Germany and India, culture enthusiasts and German learners, partners and projects,â says Katharina Goergen, director, Goethe Institute, Chennai.
Goethe-Institut, Max Muller Bhavan, Chennai
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The Hindu
To mark its 65th year, the Goethe-Institut is organizing a day-long event on August 23, with activities suitable for all age groups. The day begins with a heritage walk at 6.30am, followed by a brass ensemble performance in the auditorium at 9am. A storytelling session will take place at 10am, and a quiz is scheduled for 2.30pm. An intergenerational debate titled âNow and Thenâ will be held at 4pm, followed by a sing-along concert at 6pm.
On the sidelines of these scheduled events, there will be a day-long photography exhibition, a Repair Café, a clothes collection drive, and a short German trial course (Schnupperstunden).
To celebrate the award of the Goethe Medal to Mrs. Ellen Sharma, Head of the German Department, University of Madras, a reception was held at the Max Mueller Bhavan, Madras in the distinguished presence of Dr. A. Lakshmanaswamy Mudaliar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Madras on July 30, 1962.
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HINDU PHOTO ARCHIVES
The anniversary highlights also include a variety of interactive workshops. These include the Happiness Manifesto dance workshop by Basement 21; a glass painting workshop by Latha Mani for children aged 8 and above; a puppet-making workshop by Vincent for children aged 8 and above; theatre improv for children aged 7 to 14 by Navneeth of Mirrors Theatre; Science Sparks by Sci Py; a book-binding workshop by Amal; and bookmark embroidery by Hamsa.
To participate in all the workshops, pre-registration is mandatory. Call 28331314 for details or register online at www.goethe.de/chennai. There is a fee of âč300 for all the workshops, and participatns get three months library membership.
Published â August 20, 2025 04:34 pm IST
