“All You Need Is Love”?

Founded in 2025, the Jena Centre for Romanticism Studies continues a tradition of research that has flourished for decades in this historic cradle of early Romanticism. The Centre’s work focuses not only on the cultural-historical period of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but also aims to demonstrate the extent to which the ideas and practices of that era have continued to influence the modern world.

This aim is realised through research projects, collaboration with non-university institutions and teaching. Students of German Literature will demonstrate this as part of the Long Night of Science. They invite you to a staged panel discussion that brings together different perspectives on ‘Romantic love’ in a dialogue that is as enlightening as it is ironic.

The event takes place in the Griesbach Garden House – a historic site in Romantic-era Jena – and features the poet Clemens Brentano and the writer Sophie Mereau. Both believe in love and are struggling with their relationship. They have read the famous novel *Lucinde* by their colleague Friedrich Schlegel and have high hopes for love. They want to lead a poetic existence, to find themselves, a unique counterpart, and even the meaning of the world.

This idea of love as the ultimate unifying force has had such a powerful impact that it still shapes our world today: in teenagers’ dreams, in romantic relationships and in popular culture. However, romantic love is now also being rejected and analysed: as a substitute religion, as a tool of capitalist market logic, and as an instrument of patriarchal oppression. That is why, on the panel, we will give a voice not only to historical figures but also to contemporary sociology and literature, thereby interweaving different eras and perspectives.

On 20 November, the audience will have the opportunity to explore ideas about ‘romantic love’ across four sessions. Advance registration is required, as places are limited.