Der Stoff der Nation

To mark the Football World Cup, the German Sport & Olympic Museum is hosting a special exhibition from 2 June to 23 August 2026.

How does a sports jersey become a piece of German football history – and a fabric that carries memories?

Long traditionally kept in black and white, the German national team’s jerseys have been refined just as carefully as the tactics on the pitch since the mid-1980s. Changing cuts, materials, colour schemes and the placement of emblems and logos reflect the trends of their time and provide the backdrop for stories both big and small, on and off the pitch. As a result, jerseys have long been more than mere sportswear: they are a canvas for expression, cult objects, bestsellers and coveted collector’s items.

In our exhibition marking the FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, we present a selection of historic German jerseys, some of them ‘match-worn’, from the equally impressive and valuable collection of Andreas Schallenmüller, thereby showcasing a unique, subtle history of football.

For the ‘fabric of the nation’ ("Stoff der Nation") is the material of dreams and nightmares. A wardrobe full of memories and emotions.

Admission to the special exhibition is included in the ticket price.