Between 1986 and 1989, thirteen Jenaer Hofvernissagen (courtyard opening events) took place outside the official GDR cultural scene, so making free forms of visual art, literature, music, film and theater accessible to a broader audience. In this way, a "parallel cultural world" emerged in Jena, in which alternative patterns of action and lifestyles became publicly visible. This exhibition catalogue describes the origins and development of the courtyard events, covering the full spectrum with works of art from the time of the openings, the 'post-reunification years' and the present day. In addition to essays on contemporary history, cultural history and art history as well as reviews of works, numerous historical sources, photographs and works of art convey the activities of a nationally significant, self-determined cultural scene during the final years of the GDR. The Jenaer Hofvernissagen: an alternative culture in the GDR - non-conformist art, literature, music, film and theater in photographs and documents Exhibition: Trafo, Jena, 2022