New museum director in Zwickau - retelling stories

The Zwickau art collections are getting a new director. From January 2026, Fanny Stoye will take over the management, as announced by the Zwickau city administration. "She not only brings expertise and a wealth of ideas, but also the talent to retell stories and make other perspectives visible," said Bianca Dommes, head of the city's cultural department. Stoye succeeds Petra Lewey, who is retiring after 40 years at the Städtisches Museum.

Stoye, most recently director of the Museum Naturalienkabinett in Waldenburg, called her future position a great privilege and is already making plans. "What stories have we not yet told? Which visitors are we reaching - and which are we not yet reaching? My goal is to make Zwickau's art so visible that there is no way around it," she said.

According to the city, Stoye has interdisciplinary training and an international network. Dommes spoke of an important boost for the museum. "We are very much looking forward to working with Ms. Stoye," said Sebastian Lasch, the mayor responsible for finance and culture, according to the press release.

Artworks to return in 2028

The current museum director Lewey opened the world's largest permanent exhibition of the Zwickau-born and famous expressionist Max Pechstein more than ten years ago. She has also guided the museum through times of political and cultural upheaval and established international collaborations. "She has sensitized, excited and inspired generations of visitors," said Dommes.

Last year, the Zwickau Art Collections and the Max Pechstein Museum closed their doors. The listed building, which opened in 1914, is currently being renovated. The works of art are therefore housed elsewhere or on tour. They are scheduled to return to the museum in 2028.