The Ludwig Erhard Zentrum (LEZ) is a unique exhibition, documentation, meeting and research center for Ludwig Erhard and his concept of the social market economy in Erhard's hometown of Fürth. It was inaugurated in 2018, on the 70th anniversary of the monetary and economic reform of 1948, by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder.
The path to freedom, social market economy, prosperity for all
The 1,400 square meter permanent exhibition invites visitors to get to know Ludwig Erhard, discover contemporary history and experience the social market economy. These three strands run like a common thread through the exhibition, with the dates of Erhard's life and his home town of Fürth serving as anchor points. The tour begins in the listed birthplace in the Erhards' former home and presents many photographs and artifacts of the family and their textile business to the public for the first time.
The future room of the LEZ © Ludwig Erhard Zentrum
While the birthplace is dedicated to "Fürth Erhard", his biography and the contemporary and economic history up to 1945, the striking new building directly opposite focuses on the politician Ludwig Erhard, his concept of the social market economy and the economic and social development of the Federal Republic of Germany. The tour deliberately does not end with Erhard's death in 1977, but with the survival of his ideas and his work. The final and highlight of the exhibition is the spectacular digital "Future Room" with an interactive media installation. A gigantic projection screen allows visitors to immerse themselves in the major themes of the future: globalization, digitalization, sustainability and demographic change.
Social market economy table in the new building © Ludwig Erhard Zentrum
In 2018, the Future Space was included in the short list of the European Heritage in Motion Awards. The "Heritage in Motion Award" competition has a long tradition of recognizing the best examples of innovative multimedia and digital projects dedicated to cultural heritage in Europe. With many exhibits, museum productions and over 50 media stations, the LEZ presents history in a lively and entertaining way. The entire exhibition is also available in English.
