When you think of Franz Kafka, images of loneliness and torment may come to mind. However, the new exhibit at The Morgan Library & Museum challenges this narrow view of the iconic writer. Open through April 13, 2025, the exhibition, simply titled “Franz Kafka,” offers a deeper understanding of the man behind the surreal stories. While Kafka’s life was undoubtedly marked by struggles, including his battle with tuberculosis and a tumultuous relationship with his father, he was also known for his wit, charm, and vibrant friendships.
Curator Sal Robinson shares insights into Kafka’s life, revealing that many of the photos we associate with him are cropped versions of larger images. These often excluded the friends and family who brought joy into his life. This exhibit charts Kafka’s journey from his birth in 1883 in Prague to his untimely death at 40, illuminating the complexities of his character beyond his literary genius.
Franz Kafka’s Life and Work
Kafka spent his life in a cramped apartment with his family, facing financial instability and the pressures of familial expectations. The exhibit features a scale model of this apartment, providing a tangible connection to his everyday struggles. As he navigated these challenges, Kafka developed unique health rituals, including a precise exercise routine that often delayed his legal work. His job as a legal writer in insurance funded his true passion: writing.
The exhibit showcases original manuscripts, including early drafts of The Metamorphosis, revealing Kafka’s meticulous process. The first lines of his stories often emerge with remarkable clarity and urgency, reflecting his dedication to transforming fleeting thoughts into literary treasures. Alongside The Metamorphosis, visitors can explore Kafka’s other famed works, including The Castle, further emphasizing his literary legacy.
A Modern Icon
Kafka’s legacy continues to evolve, particularly in popular culture. Today, he has emerged as an unlikely icon on platforms like TikTok, where his romantic letters capture the hearts of a new generation. Robinson acknowledges this phenomenon, noting that Kafka’s genuine interest in the lives of women he loved contributed to his appeal. “He really wanted to know what your life was like,” she explains, highlighting the empathy that resonates in his correspondence.
Despite Kafka’s wishes for his unpublished works to be destroyed, his friend Max Brod defied these instructions, preserving a wealth of untapped literary potential. Brod’s decision, made during the dangerous ascent of Nazi forces in 1939, safeguarded Kafka’s legacy for future generations. As Robinson notes, “Kafka’s unpublished work contains the most wonderful treasures,” a sentiment that resonates deeply with today’s readers.
Kafka’s Enduring Relevance in New York
The Franz Kafka exhibit at The Morgan Library & Museum not only sheds light on the writer’s complexities but also reflects the vibrant literary culture of New York City. As a hub for art and literature, New York embraces the multifaceted nature of its artists, much like the exhibit does for Kafka. By inviting visitors to explore the lighter, more humorous side of Kafka, the exhibit encourages a broader appreciation for literature and its creators.
In a city where stories come to life in countless ways, Kafka’s tale resonates with those who seek to understand the depths of human experience. Whether through Kafka’s own words or the reflections of our contemporary culture, this exhibit reminds us that every artist has layers, and every story holds the potential for connection. So, stop by The Morgan Library & Museum to discover Kafka anew and connect with the world of literature in the heart of New York City.
