Rarely Alone—An Exhibition on Rare Diseases

Rare diseases are complex and often difficult to grasp—and yet they remain invisible far too often in everyday life and in the public consciousness. This exhibition presents self-portraits of people living with such diseases. Accompanied by personal texts, the paintings, drawings, and photographs offer striking insights into the realities of their lives. The works were created as part of a nationwide art initiative that draws attention to the challenges, experiences, and strengths of approximately four million people affected by rare diseases in Germany. The project is coordinated by ACHSE (e. V.), the umbrella organization for self-help groups and networks of people with rare diseases. The exhibition is presented in cooperation with the North RhineNorth Rhine-Westphalia Network of Centers for Rare Diseases—of which the Center for Rare Diseases at RWTH Aachen University Hospital is a member—from November 25, 2026, to January 22, 2027, in the foyer of the vhs Aachen. Visitors can view the exhibition free of charge during the vhs Aachen’s regular opening hours.