When does the event take place?

The reading and discussion will take place on September 11, 2026, at 7:30 PM.

How long does the evening last?

A time frame from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM is planned.

Is there an admission fee?

No, the event is free of charge.

Where does the reading take place?

At the Cologne VHS Forum at the Museum am Neumarkt in Cäcilienstraße 29-33 in 50667 Cologne.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible and has elevators and accessible restrooms.

Is there information about book sales or signatures?

There are no secure details available in the provided sources.

Leon Engler meets Cologne: Reading, Conversation, and Psychological Clarity at the Museum

Name: The Social Dimension of Mental Health
Start: 2026-09-11T21:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-11T23:00:00+02:00
Location: Kölner VHS-Forum im Museum am Neumarkt

Reading and Conversation about Mental Health, Family, and Social Responsibility

In Cologne, literature meets the present: The psychotherapist and bestselling author Leon Engler talks with Jan Drees about the social dimension of mental health. The evening combines conversation, reading, and cultural discourse, focusing on how personal burdens and societal conditions intersect.

A Literary Evening with Psychological Depth

Engler's debut novel Botany of Madness was published in 2025 and was shortlisted for the aspekte Literature Prize. His texts combine narrative precision with psychological reflection and essayistic perspectives. This is the unique quality of this evening: literature is understood not just as mere illustration but as a space for insights into normality, vulnerability, and family influence.

Conversation, Reading, and Deutschlandfunk Recording

The event is organized in collaboration with Deutschlandfunk and will be recorded for the program Cultural Questions. Additionally, Leon Engler will read previously unpublished stories for the Deutschlandfunk series Reading Time. This creates a rare author encounter for visitors that combines intellectual sharpness, linguistic artistry, and an immediate reading atmosphere.

The Venue: Cologne VHS Forum at the Museum am Neumarkt

The Cologne VHS Forum at the Museum am Neumarkt offers a centrally located setting for literary events, easily accessible at Neumarkt. The hall has around 300 seats, is wheelchair accessible, and equipped with an elevator, accessible restrooms, and hearing aids. Arriving by light rail or bus is comfortable; parking is available in several nearby parking garages.

Why This Event is Worth Attending

Those who value literature as a space for thought will find an evening of reading, conversation, and societal diagnosis here. Leon Engler brings a topic to the stage that personally touches and culturally resonates. This event promises not a loud spectacle, but an intense literary experience with substance.

Conclusion: In Cologne, the audience can expect a free evening with psychological depth, literary quality, and current societal relevance. Anyone who loves literature and is interested in the intersection of psychology, family, and public discourse should experience this event live.