A new episode of "The Green Sofa" accompanies the dragon exhibition at the Hessian State Museum in Darmstadt
Internationally renowned children's and young adult author Cornelia Funke is a guest on the museum podcast "Das Grüne Sofa" (The Green Sofa) of the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt. In the 23rd episode, she speaks with Anne-Sophie Ebert, the museum's social media manager, about her fascination with dragons, the origins of her stories, and the sources of inspiration for her literary work.
The podcast episode is titled "I wish a dragon lived in my garden!" and is released in connection with the current special exhibition "Dragons - Myth and Reality", which can be seen at the State Museum until January 17, 2027.
From Chinese dragons to "Dragon Rider"
Cornelia Funke is one of Germany's most successful children's and young adult authors. Her fantasy novels have also reached a large international audience. In her novel "Dragon Rider," she developed her own literary world in which dragons play a central role.
In the interview, the author explains why she had long wanted to write a story about dragons and what ideas influenced her.
She was particularly inspired by the Chinese dragon tradition. Unlike many menacing dragon figures in European folklore, Chinese dragons often represent strength, a connection to nature, and positive qualities.
For Funke, dragons embody primal natural forces that can be both powerful and good.
Art, nature and stories in Tuscany
In addition to her literary dragon worlds, Cornelia Funke also talks about her Volterra project in Tuscany in the podcast.
There, she explores the connection between art, nature, and storytelling. In conversation, she explains the significance of this place for her creative work and where she draws her inspiration.
The new episode thus offers insights not only into the creation of her dragon characters, but also into the writer's thoughts and working methods.
Dragon exhibition on display until January 2027
The podcast accompanies the special exhibition “Dragons – Myth and Reality”, which the Hessian State Museum Darmstadt presents from October 2, 2026 to January 17, 2027.
The exhibition was created in cooperation with the Schnütgen Museum and the Museum of East Asian Art Cologne.
On display are more than 170 European and East Asian artworks spanning from antiquity to the present day. These are complemented by scientific exhibits, including rare documents from the history of science, fossils millions of years old, and taxidermied animals.
The exhibition examines the dragon myth from both an art historical and a scientific perspective.
Podcast available for free
The museum podcast "Das Grüne Sofa" (The Green Sofa) is free and available in German. Besides the website of the Hessian State Museum, it can also be listened to via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Anne-Sophie Ebert and Yvonne Mielatz-Pohl are the authors of this episode, responsible for the idea, concept, and editing. The podcast is produced by Felix von Boehm and the art/beats team.
The most important information
- Podcast: The Green Sofa – Episode 23
- Guest: Cornelia Funke, children's and young adult author
- Interviewee: Anne-Sophie Ebert
- Topic: "I wish a dragon lived in my garden!"
- Organizer: Hessian State Museum Darmstadt
- Exhibition: Dragons – Myth and Reality
- Exhibition dates: October 2, 2026 to January 17, 2027
- Podcast costs: free
- Museum podcast: The Green Sofa on the museum website
- Other platforms: Spotify and Apple Podcasts
(DARMSTADT – RED/HLMD)
