When can the exhibition be visited?

The exhibition is open from September 20, 2026, to June 27, 2027, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

What is the admission fee?

The regular admission for adults is 12 euros. Beneficiaries and apprentices pay 9.50 euros, and children and adolescents from 6 to 18 years pay 5 euros.

Are there guided tours through the exhibition?

Yes, public tours take place on the fourth Sunday of each month, except in December and March. Participation costs an additional 4 euros on top of the admission and does not require registration, as long as spots are available.

What objects are on display?

Approximately 200 exhibits can be seen, including shamanic regalia, an extraordinary antler cap, ritual figures, amulets, instruments, everyday objects, and weapons.

Are there offerings for school classes and youth?

Yes, the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums offer accompanying guided programs for school classes. Additionally, the remClub for youth aged 14 to 17 was involved in preparing the exhibition.

Where is the exhibition located?

The exhibition will be presented at the rem Foundation Museums C4,12 in Mannheim. The entrance is located at Toulonplatz.

Discover Shamans of Siberia: A Fascinating Journey Between Ritual, Nature, and the Spirit World

Name: Shamans of Siberia - Between the Worlds
Start: 2026-10-01T10:00:00+02:00
End: 2027-06-27T17:00:00+02:00
Location: Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen, Stiftungsmuseen C4,12

Shamans of Siberia: A Journey Between Humanity, Nature, and the Spirit World

The special exhibition Shamans of Siberia: Between the Worlds at the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums offers an insightful access to the origins, transformations, and diverse expressions of shamanic practices. Around 200 objects from the unique Siberian collection and other high-profile exhibits make visible how shamans acted as intermediaries between humans, nature, and the spirit world.

Rituals, Symbolism, and the Aesthetics of Transition

Central to the exhibition are impressive shamanic regalia, ritual figures, amulets, and instruments. An extraordinary antler cap is one of the standout highlights. Forms, materials, and surfaces tell of a world where every object is imbued with meaning and spiritual concepts remain closely tied to everyday life.

This connection is particularly vivid through everyday objects, weapons, and garments. Coats made of fish or intestinal skin reference the adaptation to the climatic conditions of Siberia and show how tightly practical experience, material knowledge, and cultural identity are woven together. Thus, the examination of the works becomes an aesthetic experience that transcends a purely religious or ethnological classification.

Koryaks, Chukchi, and Nanai in Cultural Context

The presentation focuses on the cultures of the Koryaks and Chukchi from the Arctic North as well as the Nanai from the Amur region. Their different life worlds illustrate the diversity of shamanic ideas and roles. The exhibition avoids simplifying clichés and invites a nuanced engagement with the origins, functions, and symbolism of the objects.

From an art historical and cultural studies perspective, a multifaceted picture emerges: shamanism appears not as a rigid system but as a changing practice that adapts to environmental, community, and historical changes. Interactive stations and illustrations support cultural education and provide younger visitors with an understandable access.

Exhibition Atmosphere and Museum Mediation

The curation combines original artifacts with illustrative mediation formats. In the atmosphere of the exhibition, materiality, ritual, and narrative come together: carved animal figures, elaborately decorated objects, and instruments create a visual world where nature observation, social responsibility, and spiritual experience intertwine.

Alongside the exhibition, the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums offer public tours, lectures, events, and programs for school classes. The remClub was involved in the preparation and developed its own shaman figures that make the dialogue between museum, research, and the younger generation visible. This way, the exhibition connects scientific expertise with a lively artistic experience.

Conclusion: An Exhibition as an Invitation to Shift Perspectives

Shamans of Siberia: Between the Worlds conveys knowledge, opens new perspectives, and creates space for an intensive aesthetic experience. Visitors can expect rare objects, powerful visual worlds, and a differentiated engagement with ritual, nature, and community. Those who wish to experience cultural diversity firsthand and explore the boundaries between art, ethnology, and the history of religions should definitely visit this exhibition live in Mannheim.