Double anniversary: New exhibition at the Silesian Museum

Under the motto "We are Schönhof!", the Silesian Museum in Görlitz is presenting a new special exhibition from May 30 - for a double reason. The exhibition title refers to the 500-year-old listed building in which the institution has been located for 20 years. According to the museum, the Schönhof, which was built in 1526, is one of the oldest Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. Until February 14, 2027, visitors can learn about the building's eventful history and its revival as a museum for the history and culture of Silesia.

115 photos in the special exhibition illustrate the history, restoration and use of the Schönhof, said curator Martina Pietsch. A specially produced animated film guides visitors through the history of the house in an entertaining way. Eleven contemporary witnesses and experts also have their say at audio stations. They talk about the challenges of renovating the building, the development of the museum and the time when the Schönhof was a youth hostel from 1960 to 1978.

Testimonials and guest book

The guest book of the former hostel is also one of around 100 objects on display in the exhibition. In addition to loans, most of these exhibits come from the collection of the Silesian Museum.

The central institution for the collection, presentation and research of Silesian cultural heritage in Germany opened its permanent exhibition in the Schönhof in Görlitz in 2006. Visitors can gain an insight into around 1000 years of Silesian history on an area of around 2000 square meters. One focus is on the 20th century with the expulsion of the German population after the Second World War and the settlement of Polish inhabitants.