Dreams of Fire – Florian Illies and the alchemist of Peacock Island
Aus organisatorischen Gründen wird die Veranstaltung um 20:00 Uhr in der Kulturkirche Köln stattfinden und nicht, wie ursprünglich geplant, um 19:30 Uhr in der Flora Köln.
In his new book, bestselling author Florian Illies opens up yet another chapter of the past: In Dreams of Fire, he explores the pre-scientific art of alchemy, whose ultimate goal was the transmutation of the elements into gold. At the center of his novel, based on historical facts, is the alchemist Johannes Kunckel. In recognition of his work, Kunckel was gifted Peacock Island – located between Potsdam and Berlin – by the Elector of Brandenburg. On the island, Kunckel conducted secret experiments in his workshop. Ultimately, his furnace did not produce gold, but rather a ruby-red glass that quickly became one of the most coveted luxury goods in Europe. Kunckel completed the transition from pre-Enlightenment magic to early natural science, to chemistry – and in doing so, made history. “Illies excels at turning history into adventure stories” (DLF KULTUR). Host: Claudia Dichter
Contributors
Florian Illies
Born in 1971, Florian Illies was head of the arts and culture section… This text was shortened for this overview. Follow the more-link to read the full text.
Claudia Dichter
Claudia Dichter was born in 1966 and lives in Cologne, where she… This text was shortened for this overview. Follow the more-link to read the full text.
Books
Event data
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Date:
Wednesday
10. June 2026
20:00 -
Pre € 30 | 26 (ermäßigt)
Eve Evening fund price € 34 | 30 (ermäßigt)
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Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible Available
- Assistance dogs welcome Available
