100 years of thinking ahead
Video:
100 years Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law
LAW is in the AIR
LAW is in the AIR – Law surrounds us in every aspect of our lives. And it is constantly evolving: political, economic, and social developments continually raise new legal questions. Functioning like an early-warning system, the researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law anticipate these issues. By studying and comparing the legal systems of different countries, they identify paths for the further development of the law. In 2026, the Institute is enjoying its 100th anniversary, and you are invited to the celebration. Come learn about our work and take part in the discussion!
2-29 October 2026: Das alles ist Privatrecht?! – Exhibition in the Hamburg Town Hall
27 October 2026: Sicherheit im Privaten – Panel Discussion
10 November 2026: Recht als Kultur – Panel Discussion
14 November 2026: Open House – Improv theatre with the ensemble hidden shakespeare and more
Timeline of the Institute's History
All of This Is Private Law?!
On 1 April 1926, the Institute for Foreign and International Private Law commenced its work in the Berlin Palace as part of the Kaiser Wilhelm Society. Now seated in Hamburg as the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law, this year marks the Institute’s 100th anniversary.
Over the past century, researchers at the Institute have studied how laws develop globally and reflected on the law of the future. In this centenary year as well, we are looking forward: What new questions are decisive for our research? What are the societal developments shaping our understanding of the law?
We see this 100-year history of legal research as an occasion to more deeply engage in public dialogue and spark curiosity about private law and its significance for all our lives. Through numerous events, we invite all interested individuals to learn more about our work and join in conversation with us.
We look forward to a lively exchange.
Holger Fleischer Anne Röthel Ralf Michaels
Celebrate with us!
Anniversary glasses to download
Cut out the glasses along the marked line, put them on, and send a picture to jubilaeum@mpipriv.de or post it on social media at #mpipriv100.