Frankfurt Exhibition Exposes Right-Wing Threats to History and Culture

An exhibition in Frankfurt is examining the rise of right-wing influence on history and culture. Titled Internal Review, the show at Synnika gallery in the Bahnhofsviertel district uses documents, speeches, and a documentary to highlight threats to democratic values. Curator Oliver Hardt compares recent developments in the U.S. and Germany, warning of growing restrictions on artistic and cultural freedom. At the centre of the exhibition is The Black Museum, a documentary about the creation of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Designed by architect David Adjaye, the museum opened on the National Mall in 2016. The film contrasts this celebration of inclusive history with more recent political shifts.

One key document on display is Executive Order 14253, issued by Donald Trump in March 2025. Titled *Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History*, the order demanded that U.S. history be taught only in a positive light. The exhibition also includes two administrative directives that enforced this policy, alongside speeches by Barack Obama. His remarks underscore the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social cohesion. Hardt has expanded the focus to Germany, featuring records of cultural censorship and political interference. A far-right party in Saxony-Anhalt, labelled as extremist, has pushed for similar guidelines in public institutions. The exhibition’s location—a self-managed housing project—reinforces its message of resistance and community solidarity.

The show runs in Frankfurt’s Synnika gallery until its closing date. Visitors see original documents, film footage, and political speeches side by side. The curator’s aim is clear: to expose the risks of distorted history and defend open debate in society.