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Behind the Scenes at Paul-Maar-Museum, Inside the Mind of the Artist Behind "Sams" Creation

Museum Construction in Hallstadt Dedicated to Paul Maar, Creator of 'Sam's Books'; Collection of Personal Items Curated by Students

Behind the Scenes at the Paul-Maar-Museum: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Artist Behind "Sams"...
Behind the Scenes at the Paul-Maar-Museum: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Artist Behind "Sams" Creation

Behind the Scenes at Paul-Maar-Museum, Inside the Mind of the Artist Behind "Sams" Creation

Paul Maar, a renowned children's author, illustrator, and stage author, is set to have a museum dedicated to his work in his hometown of Hallstadt. The museum project, initiated by scientist Heidrun Alzheimer, has been in the works for some time, and the city plans to present the museum concept to the public in October.

Born in Schweinfurt in 1937, Maar's roots run deep in Hallstadt. His biological mother, Barbara Benker, and grandparents hailed from the same town. Maar, who studied painting and art history, initially worked as an art teacher before embarking on his successful career as an author and illustrator.

The museum will house a vast collection of items from Maar's estate, including books, manuscripts, photographs, props, illustrations, and personal notes. Among the highlights are photos with jazz greats Keith Jarrett and Jan Garbarek. Maar's best-known works, such as "Das Sams", "Lippels Traum", and "Herr Bello", which have also been successfully filmed, will undoubtedly be a significant part of the exhibition.

The museum's creation in Hallstadt is a testament to the author's enduring connection with the town. Many letters from readers are lovingly illustrated and testify to the impact of Paul Maar's work. The 87-year-old author has lived near Hallstadt in Bamberg for many years.

The students from the University of Bamberg have inventoried most of the exhibits by the end of August 2025. A concrete date for the museum's opening has not yet been set, but the public event in October 2025 at the Kulturboden Hallstadt will mark the opening of the museum and will feature Paul Maar himself.

In addition to his work for children, Maar has recently published a novella aimed at an adult readership, "Lorna". The museum is sure to be a treasure trove of insights into the life and work of this versatile author.

An interesting anecdote from Maar's film career is the dog salon set up in Bamberg's old town for the second "Sams" film. As a result, dog hair curlers are part of the museum's prop collection. The props from the second "Sams" film, which had been resting in a Bamberg city guide's garage for years, have also found their place in the museum.

The Paul Maar Museum in Hallstadt is more than just a tribute to a celebrated author; it is a celebration of the intertwining of biographical experiences and literary work, as Heidrun Alzheimer puts it. The museum is set to be a must-visit destination for fans of Paul Maar and anyone interested in the world of children's literature.

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