Mitropa Anniversary: Museum Seeks Eyewitnesses and Artifacts

For decades, Mitropa shaped rail travel, especially in the GDR. To mark its 110th anniversary, the Industrial Museum in Chemnitz is now planning an exhibition and is seeking eyewitnesses and memorabilia. These include tableware, menus, uniforms, photographs, promotional graphics, and souvenirs, as well as personal accounts from former employees, travelers, or people who were connected to the Mitropa in other ways, according to a call for submissions. Memories can be shared in writing, in person, or through photographs and documents.

The Mitteleuropäische Schlaf- und Speisewagen AG—Mitropa for short—was founded on November 24, 1916, and grew over the decades into a corporation that served travelers in Germany and, to some extent, Austria and Switzerland. The company operated sleeping and dining cars, station restaurants, hotels, and rest stops. After World War II and the division of Germany, Mitropa continued to operate in the GDR. Consequently, it is likely to be remembered by many people there in particular for its burgundy-red cars and tableware in the Bauhaus tradition. 

Exhibition opens in November

“With this exhibition, we want not only to tell the story of a company steeped in tradition, but also to bring to light the memories of the people who lived through that history,” explains curator Anett Polig. “Many of the most beautiful stories still lie dormant in private photo albums or closets, or are passed down within families to this day.”

The exhibition, titled “MITROPA – Between the Platform and the Cutlery,” is scheduled to run from November 13 to April 25. Anyone wishing to contribute can contact the museum by September 14 at 0371 3676135 or presse@industriemuseum-chemnitz.de.