16 September 2019

Photo: UHH, RRZ/MCC, Reiss

Skeptical about the "Humboldt Hype": Matthias Glaubrecht

Alexander von Humboldt would have turned 250 these days. In this anniversary year, the famous discoverer of nature is in the spotlight. Matthias Glaubrecht believes that posterity in particular is contributing to his transfiguration. The Humboldt expert provides the cover story for the October issue of GEO magazine.

"What is being written about Alexander von Humboldt this year is in many cases blatantly missing the point of science. He is stylized into a heroic figure that has nothing to do with the facts," explains Matthias Glaubrecht in an interview with GEO editor Jan Henne. Nevertheless, he finds Humboldt "highly admirable as a person." He was a gifted natural scientist and made an enormous wealth of observations. The October issue of GEO magazine will be published on October 18. Read the interview with Matthias Glaubrecht in advance here.

Humboldt expert Glaubrecht in other media contributions on the Humboldt Anniversary
Hamburger Abendblatt

"Hamburg hat Alexander von Humboldt geprägt" (€)

National Geographic
"Humboldt fand nie eine Theorie"

neuneinhalb - Deine Reporter
Der Natur auf der Spur - Wer war Alexander von Humboldt?

Special exhibition "Humboldt Lives!"

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Der Gipfelstürmer der Ökologie

Our special exhibition "Humboldt Lives!" accompanies the German naturalist on the occasion of his 250th birthday on his most important expedition to America in the years 1799-1804. We follow Humboldt to the tropics and the Andes and question his findings and legacies. Discover the real Humboldt with us!