The State Museum of Archaeology in Chemnitz (smac) has landed a hit with the public with its major mining exhibition. Since opening at the end of October, the show "Silberglanz & Kumpeltod" has attracted more than 43,000 visitors. This makes it the most successful special exhibition in the museum's history, explained Director Sabine Wolfram. The great success can be attributed to the topic of mining, which arouses enormous interest in the region and is very emotionally charged. The show was the first major contribution to Chemnitz's program as European Capital of Culture 2025.
The exhibition covers around 1,000 square metres and features not only archaeological finds, but also magnificent exhibits from Saxony's treasure trove, the Green Vault in Dresden. These include what is said to be the most valuable piece in the show: a drinking goblet made of pure silver, intended for guests of the Saigerhütte Grünthal in the Erzgebirge from the 17th century. Also on display are old tools and jewelry and historical documents such as the songbook with the first record of the Steigerlied from 1531 and the oldest candle arch in the Ore Mountains.
