Vogtland celebrates new mother-of-pearl experience museum

From now on, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of freshwater pearl mussels and mother-of-pearl in a new type of adventure museum in Adorf in the Vogtland region. Almost six million euros were invested in the museum rooms, including the extension and the redesign of the presentation. The previous exhibition space has been increased many times over, says museum director Steffen Dietz to the German Press Agency. This means that exhibits that were previously slumbering in storage can now also be shown in a new location.

According to him, a listed building was refurbished for the show. The exhibition on the way of life and biology of the river pearl mussel, the former pearl fishery and the production of mother-of-pearl goods extends over three floors. The small town was once a center for the production of everyday objects and accessories made from mother-of-pearl. This is obtained from the shells of mussels and snails. The products made from it included buttons, caskets, ladies' purses and large mantel clocks.

Exhibit builds a bridge to the Green Vault

The museum's presentation has been completely redesigned, emphasizes the museum expert. This includes showcasing individual exhibits much more than before and allowing visitors to find out more for themselves at special media stations. Also on display is a replica of a valuable necklace with pearls from the Vogtland region, the original of which is part of the treasure of the Green Vault in Dresden.

The exhibition building has been supplemented by a modern extension reminiscent of a seashell, explains Dietz. Among other things, it houses the ticket office, elevator, toilets and rooms for special exhibitions.

After the opening ceremony with invited guests at the beginning of the week, the new adventure museum will be open to all interested parties from Wednesday. Saxony's Minister of Culture and Tourism Barbara Klepsch (CDU) speaks of a new tourist lighthouse for the Vogtland region, which will provide impetus for the revitalization of the city centre and be an extracurricular place of learning for children and families.