The International May Festival is a highlight in the cultural calendar of the Hessian state capital of Wiesbaden. Since it was founded in 1896 at the request of the emperor, it has been a place for top-class artistic performances and impressive encounters. To this day, the traditional festival is a major event with supra-regional appeal.

The world has been and continues to be a guest in Wiesbaden. Which path the May Festival should take or pursue was and still is a topical issue. The International May Festival proves to be a mirror of recent theater, social and even world history.

The "Curtain up!" exhibition highlighted the cultural history of the IMF in four stage-like themed areas, the cosmos in front of and behind the stage between fascination and illusion and offered space to think the festival into the future. Visitors encountered historical props, technical equipment and advertising posters from different eras. Artist caricatures, audio and film stations, as well as personal memorabilia such as gala gowns and accessories from the world of theater and stage and the festival audience of the time brought 125 years of the International May Festival to life and accompanied visitors through the highlights and difficult times of the renowned festival.

Contemporaries were also brought to life. On selected days, visitors met historical figures who talked about their personal impressions and experiences on the sidelines and during the May Festival - a program item that was created in cooperation between the State Theatre's theater education department and sam's museum education department.

Postponed due to the pandemic, sam 2022 was able to use the cooperation and synergy effects together with the Staatstheater - true to the motto: International May Festival 2022 and "Curtain up! 125+1". The exhibition venue in the Kurhaus-Kolonnaden directly opposite the theater offered guests the opportunity to combine a visit to the May Festival with a journey through its history.

A comprehensive accompanying catalog has been published for the exhibition:
"Curtain up! 125 + 1 years of the International May Festival".