As part of the temporary exhibition, “Bellum et Artes – Europe and the Thirty Years’ War”, the House of European History proudly presents three extraordinary and very different European films that represent and (re)imagine the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648).

The films will be introduced in English by film curator Wouter Hessels and will be followed by a Q&A and ;

Entrance to the screenings is free - registration in advance is mandatory.

Before the screening of each film, join us at for a 45 minute tour for a guided tour of the Bellum et Artes temporary exhibition, assessing the Thirty Years' War through the lens of different kinds of art.

The tour requires registration in advance (links below), and involves an 'active participation' method, based on 'Visible Thinking Routines'.

Mother Courage and Her Children (Mutter Courage und Ihre Kinder)

Mutter Courage, the political masterpiece by Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956), is set in the 17th century during the Thirty Years’ War.

The play follows the fortunes of Anna Fierling, nicknamed ‘Mother Courage’.

She wants to make her living from the war that involved all the German states, France and Sweden.

Brecht wrote the play in resistance to the rise of fascism and nazism.

In 1961, the great anti-war play was adapted for the screen with Brecht’s widow, Helene Weigel in the title role.

Wednesday 20/11/2024 –

Peter Palitzsch & Manfred Wekwerth, Germany, 1961, 151’, Original version, EN subtitles

Register below for guided tour ( - )
Register below for film screening ( - )