BERLIN.- For the first time an exhibition will illustrate the global diversity and effective history of Protestantism, but also its potential for engendering conflict between different cultures.

What traces of Protestantism can be found in other denominations, religions and concepts of life? How did it change itself through these encounters – and not least of all, in what ways have people adopted and appropriated the Protestant doctrine, how have they shaped it and lived it? The exhibition “The Luther Effect” tells a global story of effect and counter-effect that begins around 1500 and continues on into the present present. It is depicted using the examples of Germany and Europe 1450–1600, Sweden 1500–1750, North America 1600–1900, Korea 1850–2000 and present-day Tanzania.

The Deutsches Historisches Museum is presenting the exhibition in the Martin- Gropius-Bau on a area of some 3,000 m2 and bringing together outstanding exponents from national and international lenders, many of which have never before been displayed in Germany. Supplementing the exhibition are numerous cultural and educational events and fringe programmes. A richly illustrated catalogue will also be published.

The Deutsches Historisches Museum’s presentation is one of three special national exhibitions commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in the year 2017. Besides Berlin, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media is supporting the exhibitions in the Wartburg in Eisenach and the “Lutherstadt” Wittenberg. The exhibitions are under the patronage of Federal President Joachim Gauck. The German Savings Bank Finance Group is the principal sponsor of the exhibition “The Luther Effect. Protestantism – 500 Years in the World”. This exhibition is supported by the Museum Association of the German Historical Museum.