Celebration of Aufbau Verlag's 80th birthday: An evening full of literature!

Celebration of Aufbau Verlag's 80th birthday: An evening full of literature!

A very special anniversary will be celebrated in the cultural city of Neustrelitz on September 1st, 2025: The Building a publishing house celebrates his 80th birthday. The event also falls on World Peace Day, which gives the occasion even more significance. The celebrations start at 7 p.m. and promise an evening full of exciting insights into the history of the publishing house and its role in literature.

Aufbau Verlag was founded on August 16, 1945 in a modest private apartment in Berlin-Dahlem. In addition to Klaus Gysi, Kurt Wilhelm, Heinz Willmann and Otto Schiele, the founding team also received support from the Soviet military administration, which helped the publisher get its first work order. The first publications began two days after it was founded, and the publishing house received its official license in November 1945. This was a striking step in the post-war period, when the name “Aufbau” was intended to represent the hope needed after the horrors of the Second World War.

A look behind the scenes

Nele Holdack, editor and editor of the publishing house, as well as Prof. Carsten Gansel, literary scholar and last editor of Theodor Plievier's “Stalingrad” at Aufbau Verlag, are expected at the celebrations. Kathrin Matern from the Frau Rilke Bookshop will moderate the event and lead those present through the evening. Those interested can look forward to a book table that presents a selection of the publisher's works.

With an entry price of 12 euros, reduced price 8 euros, the event is aimed at anyone interested in literature. You can register simply by phone at 03981-2390999 or by email at info@kulturquartier-neustrelitz.de. This also gives young readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the publishing house, which has played an important role in literary history since its founding.

The importance of the publisher

Aufbau Verlag has secured a firm place in the book landscape over the decades, but its roots in the post-war period shed light on the emergence of a new literary culture. At a time when many publishing houses suffered under the pressure of the National Socialists or disappeared completely, not only literature was produced here, but also a strong signal for the rebirth of the German cultural scene that still resonates today. Historical insights into the publishing industry after the Second World War show how important such an institution was in driving forward the reconstruction of cultural life.

At 80 years old, Aufbau Verlag is a living testimony to the German publishing industry, whose influence can be felt from its founding to the present day. Literature is not just a business, but an essential part of our cultural heritage, and that is exactly what is being celebrated this evening.