"Bringing a Cultural and Tourism Uptick to Saxony-Anhalt: The 1525 Justice Exhibition"
In the heart of Germany, the state of Saxony-Anhalt has been a hive of cultural activity over the past few months. With around 75,000 visitors taking advantage of the various offers, the region has seen a surge in interest and engagement.
One of the highlights of this cultural renaissance has been the decentralized state exhibition, "Justice 1525". This ambitious project, which took place in Lutherstadt Eisleben, was a collaboration of four state cultural foundations and other cultural actors in rural Saxony-Anhalt. The exhibition spanned a bow from historical events to the present, connecting history, art, education, and societal dialogue.
The exhibition cycle was dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the death of Thomas Müntzer and the nationwide commemoration of the German Peasants' War of 1525. Dr. Christian Philipsen, General Director of the Cultural Foundation of Saxony-Anhalt, contributed three exhibitions to the decentralized state exhibition: 'Early Renaissance in Central Germany', 'Planetary Peasants', and 'SEIN and SCHEIN. Thomas Müntzer'.
'SEIN and SCHEIN. Thomas Müntzer' aimed to present a differentiated image of Thomas Müntzer at the current state of Müntzer research. Meanwhile, the 'Planetary Peasants' exhibition, which explored the concept of peasants as agents of planetary change, saw six works being presented at the European Art Forum Oberbayern and another work displayed at the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg.
Prof. Dr. Harald Meller, Director of the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt - State Museum of Prehistory Halle (Saale), conducted archaeological investigations at three authentic sites of the Peasants' War as part of the exhibition project. The findings from these excavations can be accessed through an online film program, which has already been accessed over 150,000 times.
The State Museum of Prehistory has a cabinet exhibition on display until the end of November, which presents a comprehensive display of archaeological finds from the three authentic sites of the Peasants' War.
Claudia Illiger, Head of Tourism at Standortentwicklungsgesellschaft Mansfeld-Südharz mbH, implemented over 40 projects within the 'Citizens' Framework Programme' focused on historically significant sites related to Thomas Müntzer and the Peasants' War. These projects not only strengthened awareness of regional history but also set new impulses for the touristic perception and cultural radiance of the Mansfeld-Südharz district.
The events within the 'Citizens' Framework Programme' were part of the "Justice 1525" project, which also included several current, past, and permanent exhibitions. The exhibition 'SEIN and SCHEIN. Thomas Müntzer' and the experiential exhibition "PROTEST From Anger to Movement," a children's participatory exhibition "ZOFF!," a storytelling project #LAUTseit1525 on Instagram, and the historical exhibition "UFFRUR Utopia and Resistance in the Peasants' War 1524/25" at Kloster Schussenried and other historically significant sites across Baden-Württemberg were all part of this project.
Culture Minister Rainer Robra acknowledged the boost the commemorative year gave to projects, especially in monument preservation. Minister President Dr. Reiner Haseloff praised the exhibition for conveying history in a lively way and linking it to current societal questions. He also commended the project's impact, which is currently being discussed at the event "Justice in Motion: Balance, Encounter, Enduring".
André Schröder, District Administrator of the Mansfeld-South Harz District, stated that the jubilee offered a unique opportunity to strengthen and network tourist structures. The project aims to stimulate culture-oriented tourism in the region, particularly in the Mansfeld-South Harz district.
The Cultural Foundation of Saxony-Anhalt started the long-term preservation of Schloss Allstedt with the commemoration of Thomas Müntzer and 500 years of Peasants' War. This is a testament to the enduring legacy of the cultural activities that have taken place in Saxony-Anhalt over the past year.
As the decentralized state exhibition "Justice 1525" currently closes, it leaves behind a rich cultural landscape that continues to resonate and inspire. The impact of this commemorative year will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
