Chennai
Celebrating 65 years of Goethe-Institut Chennai

What does the Goethe-Institut Chennai and the former national coach for soccer Jogi Löw have in common? Both turn 65 this year, and both can look back on a colorful career.

Founded in 1960 as a hub to foster the German language and cultural exchange, the Institute was situated for the first 14 years on Mount Road. It has been a long journey via Cathedral Road, KNK Road to our current location on 5th Street, Rutland Gate. But while the buildings changed, the core idea of the Goethe-Institut, which in India is also known as Max Mueller Bhavan, remained unchanged: We provide an open and safe space for everyone who is interested in German, Germany, and German culture. Over the decades, we have had the honor of working with great artists from Germany and India, such as Pina Bausch, Chandralekha, Günter Grass, and A.R. Rahman, to name just a few. We have exhibited artists from all genres and initiated Indo-German collaboration. But it's also the work with younger upcoming artists who are kind enough to share their ideas and visions with us that enriches not just our work, but the cultural scene in Chennai. Together with our partners in Chennai, we have worked to enrich the cultural scene, for example by co-founding the Chennai Photo Biennale.

Beyond this, we have taught German to thousands of students. From absolute beginners to almost pros, from children and teenagers to young students aiming for a master's in Germany or skilled laborers about to leave for Germany, they have all learned German with us. Some came to us via our vast and lively networks of schools and colleges that help us build an infrastructure for all those in need of German. It is a matter of great pride to us to see how many of our alumni fondly think of their time with us and have made a career in Germany.

Especially over the last few years, German learners from all over India have come to Chennai to participate in the exams conducted here.

While other people start thinking of retirement at the age of 65, the Goethe-Institut Chennai is growing stronger and stronger.