Wer war Wilhelm?

Accompany the sculptor Wilhelm Lehmbruck through the highs and lows of his life. An interactive narrative, written by the renowned author Theresia Enzensberger: personal, literary and full of choices.

In hindsight, a biography often seems coherent and self-evident. Yet behind every step in life lies a decision. In “Who was Wilhelm?”, players become protagonists: their decisions determine the course of the narrative.

The app allows players to experience key moments in the life of the artist Wilhelm Lehmbruck (1881–1919). They immerse themselves in his era, accompany him through artistic breakthroughs and personal crises, get to know friends and contemporaries, and gain insights into the creative process behind his works.

The story was written by Theresia Enzensberger, based on true events from Lehmbruck’s biography. Her literary narrative style brings the “man” Wilhelm Lehmbruck to life: not as a monument, but as a doubting, searching artist.

Who was Wilhelm? is an interactive narrative in the style of a visual novel:

• Make decisions: At turning points in Lehmbruck’s life, players choose between different options

• Experience the story: The narrative unfolds differently depending on the decisions made

• Discover art: Insights into Lehmbruck’s works and his creative process

• Immerse yourself in the era: Encounters with historical figures and contemporaries

The controls are deliberately kept simple: the app is intuitive to play; no prior gaming experience is required.

‘Wer war Wilhelm?’ was developed in collaboration with the Lehmbruck Museum and is available free of charge. The app offers an unusual insight into an artist’s life: instead of a linear biography, players experience the openness and uncertainty that accompany every life decision.

Players explore key themes:

• Artistic creation: How are works of art created? What doubts accompany the creative process?

• Biography and decision-making: How do decisions shape a life? What might have turned out differently?

• Art around 1900: Which movements and ideas shaped the era? Who were Lehmbruck’s contemporaries?

• Museum and education: How can a museum bring art to life?

• Art: Sculpture, Expressionism, art history around 1900

• History: The German Empire, the First World War, the life of an artist

• German: Biographical storytelling, literary education, Theresia Enzensberger as an author

• Museum education: Preparation for or accompaniment of a museum visit

Suitable for all age groups. Particularly interesting as an accompaniment to a visit to the Lehmbruck Museum or for preparation in the classroom. Running time approx. 30–60 minutes.

‘Wer war Wilhelm?’ was developed as part of ‘dive in. Programme for Digital Interactions’ by the Federal Cultural Foundation, funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) as part of the Neustart Kultur programme.