University reopens Paul Maar Archive at Bamberg University
A Museum Dedicated to Renowned Children's Author Paul Maar Takes Shape
Paul Maar, a celebrated children's book author known for his "Sams" series, is set to have a museum dedicated to his work in Hallstadt, his mother's birthplace. The University of Bamberg is supporting this endeavour, providing both financial and academic support.
Four master's students in European Ethnology at the University of Bamberg, along with Prof. Dr. Heidrun Alzheimer, have been inventorying Paul Maar's estate since February 2025. The estate, which Maar donated to the city of Hallstadt, contains a vast array of personal memorabilia, including photos, graphics, letters, handwritten sketches, and manuscripts.
The inventorying process is crucial for the museum's establishment, serving as a basis for future exhibitions, digital applications, conservation, damage documentation, and administration. By August 2025, they had documented most of the approximately 5,000 pieces from Paul Maar's estate.
Many letters are lovingly illustrated and testify to the enduring impact of Maar's work. Fan mail was only cursorily recorded due to the sheer volume of enthusiastic readers' letters. The props from the second "Sams" film from 2003, including dog perm rods, have been donated to the museum.
The museum will honour Paul Maar's work, which includes literature for adults, as well as his beloved children's books. A public event with a panel discussion and an exhibition of Paul Maar's graphics is planned for October 2025 at the Kulturboden in Hallstadt.
The artist himself will be present at the event, adding a personal touch to the celebration of his work. Melissa Link, a master's student in European Ethnology, has found the project to be professionally and personally enriching. Link plans to focus on craftsmanship, conservation aspects, and biographical research in her master's thesis, using the Paul Maar collection as an example.
The responsibility to preserve and manage Paul Maar's collection after inventory lies with the Berlin State Library (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin) as it is common for significant literary collections of renowned German authors to be held by this institution.
This project forms part of a practical module in European Ethnology studies, designed to prepare students for museum careers. Students have visited Bavarian museums as part of their studies, gaining valuable experience in handling collections, conservation basics, and digital recording methods.
The establishment of the Paul Maar museum in Hallstadt is an exciting development for both the city and the world of children's literature. It promises to be a treasure trove of Paul Maar's work, offering insights into his life and literary career, and providing a lasting tribute to a beloved author.
