Abstract

Some museums have become an integral part of literary narratives. This paper chooses three 20th century German novels – Thomas Mann’s ‘Die Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Felix Krull’, F.C. Delius’ ‘Die Flatterzunge’ and W. G. Sebald’s ‘Austerlitz’ – to highlight the importance of sensory impressions, locations and evidence and the impact of event culture on (literary) visitors. This paper suggests that in terms of an ‘inclusive museum’ literature can inform on a museum’s place and appeal in contemporary society.