The exhibition "Vivat pax - Es lebe der Friede / Peace forever!" was presented in the run-up to the 26th Council of Europe exhibition "1648 - Krieg und Frieden in Europa / War and Peace in Europe" first in Münster (Westfälisches Landesmuseum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte, April 26 - July 26, 1998) then in Osnabrück (Villa Schlikker, at the old fortified towers "Bocksturm" and "Bürgergehorsam", at the Haus der Jugend; from October 1, 1998 to January 17, 1999). The exhibition, which was meant to address children, young persons, families, school classes of all ages as well as interested grown-ups, was characterized by rather unconventional and unusual features: The visitors were taken on a trip into the 17th century. Everywhere in the exhibition they were encouraged to take part actively, to find out knew things and to learn more about the historical background. Actors in historical costumes invited visitors to take part in various activities, which enabled everyone to re-enact history. Guided tours were offered to classes and other groups to give them the opportunity to discuss the many objects and opportunities presented in the exhibition. A large field for experimenting was created in the form of the writing room and printer's office, where - in the style of historical letters, newsletters and leaflets - people could formulate their own thoughts about war and peace in former times and also today. Thus, a second exhibition developed, which presented the works of the visitors thereby adding today's hopes and fears and attitudes towards war and peace. The imaginary guide through the exhibition was an anonymous young soldier. An anonymous leaflet from time of the Thirty Years' War features a small, ragged boy soldier lighting a fuse. This young soldier became the central figure of the exhibition, inviting people to think about his possible fate and to create his (fictitious) biography.

To accompany this exhibition, a carefully designed non-fictional book for young readers has been published:

vivat pax. Es lebe der Friede! Eine Geschichte des Dreißigjährigen Krieges und des Westfälischen Friedens für junge Leser, ed. by the Veranstaltungsgesellschaft 350 Jahre Westfälischer Friede mbH. (64 S.).

Some of the texts (introduction,dictionary, bibliography) are available on-line, but only in German. Please see the german web site.