Silesian Museum: A Journey Through Silesian History and Culture

The Silesian Museum in Görlitz serves as the central museum for Silesia in Germany, offering a comprehensive look at the region's history and cultural legacy. The museum's mission is to explore and present the cultural history of Silesia from the 13th century to the present day through exhibitions, publications, and events. It aims to engage visitors in a continuing dialogue about Silesia's past and future. The museum's collections encompass a wide range of artifacts, including paintings, graphic prints, reverse glass paintings, and illustrations. Visitors can also explore exhibits featuring glassware, ceramics, porcelain, coins, medals, and memorabilia that reflect the politics, economics, culture, and daily life of Silesia. A poignant collection is dedicated to the memories of flight and expulsion, containing everyday objects and personal accounts from displaced people. The museum is housed in the Schönhof, one of the oldest Renaissance buildings in Germany, and a neighboring building, Haus zum Goldenen Baum. The permanent exhibition opened in May 2006 and attracts around 30,000 visitors annually. The museum's exhibitions are designed for a broad audience, including residents of the German-Polish border region and descendants of Silesians who experienced flight and expulsion. All exhibit texts are presented in both German and Polish.