Je suis ici: German poetry of today
Happening now
During a stay in Nancy, treat yourself to a literary interlude at the Goethe-Institut. The exhibition "Je suis ici – Hier bin ich" celebrates contemporary German-language poetry, free to discover across a long season, on rue de la Ravinelle.
A panorama of German-language poetry
Carried by its bilingual title, "Je suis ici – Hier bin ich" asserts a presence: that of today's poetic writing in German. The exhibition brings together a selection of contemporary texts spanning forms and tones, from the intimate to the political. You encounter both established voices and emerging pens. Everyone can linger at their own pace, be carried by a poem, compare the original with its French translation. It is a living, accessible way to take the pulse of literary creation across the Rhine, whatever language the visitor speaks.
Words turned into images
The exhibition's originality lies in its form: the poems are displayed as posters, where the text becomes a graphic object. Designed by the Goethe-Institut in partnership with Munich's Lyrik Kabinett, this trail entrusts the layout to careful design that converses with the meaning of the verses. The result blurs the line between reading and looking: you read as much as you contemplate. This light staging suits a short visit perfectly, between two discoveries of the city, and speaks to poetry lovers as much as to fans of typography and graphic arts.
The Goethe-Institut, a stop in the heart of Nancy
The exhibition takes place at the Goethe-Institut in Nancy, at 39 rue de la Ravinelle, a few minutes' walk from Place Stanislas and the train station. A cultural centre devoted to German language and culture, the venue also houses a library and a regular programme. Entry is free, ideal for a quiet break between two strolls through the old town. As the display runs over a long period, it is easy to fit into a weekend or a longer stay, without strict scheduling constraints.
For whom, for what moment?
You don't need to speak German to enjoy "Je suis ici": translations accompany the texts and the experience remains sensory as much as literary. The exhibition will appeal to the curious, to Germanophiles, to families seeking a gentle activity, but also to travellers wanting a change from classic Nancy sights. Allow a short half-hour for a first look, more if you let the poems draw you in. It is the kind of stop that pleasantly extends an already full day, or offers an unexpected starting point for a wander through the Ravinelle district.
Infos pratiques
Adresse : Goethe-Institut, 39 rue de la Ravinelle, 54000 Nancy
Questions fréquentes
Where is the exhibition "Je suis ici – Hier bin ich" held?
At the Goethe-Institut in Nancy, 39 rue de la Ravinelle, a few minutes' walk from the historic centre and Place Stanislas.
Do you need to speak German to visit it?
No. The title is bilingual and the poems come with translations; the experience remains accessible to everyone, including non-German speakers.
Is there an admission fee?
The exhibition is free to visit. For opening days and times, check the official website of the Goethe-Institut in Nancy.
Until when can it be seen?
The display runs over a long period, into the summer. It therefore fits easily into a stay, whatever the season of your visit.
