Kulturhistorisches Museum Magdeburg

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Magdeburg's history at the Kulturhistorisches Museum Magdeburg, an institution that has been a cornerstone of cultural heritage since its founding in 1906. Originally established as the Kaiser-Friedrich Museum, this remarkable museum has evolved over the decades, offering visitors a captivating journey through time, from ancient archaeological finds to the vibrant history of the city itself.

The Evolution of the Museum

The Kulturhistorisches Museum Magdeburg has a storied past that mirrors the tumultuous history of the region. The museum was inaugurated on December 17, 1906, under the directorship of art historian Theodor Volbehr. Initially focused on art history, the museum's collection grew with numerous private donations and acquisitions from across Europe. However, the rise of the National Socialists in 1933 brought about a dark chapter, as they sought to purge the museum of what they deemed undesirable art. In 1937, during the infamous Nazi campaign against degenerate art, 254 works were confiscated, many of which were subsequently destroyed.

The museum building itself suffered significant damage during World War II, and a substantial portion of the collections, including the famous painting by Vincent van Gogh, The Painter on the Road to Tarascon, was lost. Despite these setbacks, the museum was painstakingly rebuilt and restored, with the collections being expanded over time. Today, it shares its premises with the Museum of Natural History, forming a dual-institution that offers a diverse range of exhibits.

Exploring the Exhibitions

The Kulturhistorisches Museum Magdeburg boasts a rich array of permanent and special exhibitions that cater to a wide range of interests. One of the highlights is the Magdeburg – The History of a City exhibition, which provides an in-depth look at the city's evolution from its medieval roots to its modern-day status as the capital of Saxony-Anhalt. The Art Tour – The Historical Art Collections exhibition showcases an impressive array of artworks, while the Magdeburg Rider exhibition features the original statue of the iconic Magdeburg Rider.

For those interested in education, the Permanent Exhibition on School History offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of schooling, with a particular focus on the DDR era. The Faience and Stoneware Manufacture Guischard exhibition delves into the intricate world of ceramic production, and the Baroque Crib exhibition presents a stunning nativity scene from the Baroque period.

Special Exhibitions

The museum's special exhibitions are equally compelling, often drawing from its extensive collections to explore various themes and periods. Notable past exhibitions include Otto the Great – Magdeburg and Europe, which was part of the 27th Council of Europe Exhibition and the Saxony-Anhalt State Exhibition, and Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, a collaborative exhibition with the German Historical Museum in Berlin.

Other significant exhibitions have included Magdeburg 1200 – Medieval Metropolis, Prussian Fortress, State Capital, which chronicled the city's history from 805 to 2005, and Against Emperor and Pope – Magdeburg and the Reformation, which examined the city's pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation. More recent exhibitions, such as Reform City of Modernity – Magdeburg in the Twenties and Fascination City – The Urbanization of Europe in the Middle Ages and the Magdeburg Law, have continued to draw visitors with their engaging and thought-provoking content.

The Building and Its Features

The museum building itself is a work of art, designed by Viennese architects Friedrich Ohmann and August Kirstein. Constructed between 1901 and 1906, it was initially intended as a municipal museum for art and applied arts, and was named the Kaiser-Friedrich Museum. The design, which emerged indirectly from an architectural competition held in 1897, features an agglomerated building type that combines various architectural styles.

One of the standout features of the building is the Kaiser-Otto-Saal, originally conceived as the Hall of Magdeburg Antiquities. Modeled after the buildings of the Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg, this grand hall was designed to resemble a church nave with a crypt. Although it suffered damage during World War II and underwent significant alterations, including the addition of an intermediate ceiling, it was extensively renovated and restored in the 1990s. Reopened in 2001 and renamed the Kaiser-Otto-Saal, it now serves as a venue for lectures, meetings, and exhibitions. The hall also houses the original statue of the Magdeburg Rider and a baroque nativity scene, along with a triptych mural depicting scenes from the life of Otto the Great, painted by Arthur Kampf in 1905/06.

The Collections

The museum's collections are vast and varied, encompassing a wide range of disciplines and periods. The archaeology collection includes 400,000 finds from the Magdeburg region and beyond, spanning 200,000 years of human history. Highlights include a 200,000-year-old hand axe from Hundisburg and a range of medieval artifacts from the Magdeburg area.

The medieval collection features objects such as pilgrim badges depicting the Three Wise Men, Magdeburg jurors' sayings, and a lion aquamanile. The city history collection comprises 10,000 objects that do not fit into other exhibitions, including a rag doll, a descent certificate, a Jewish star (Star of David), and a goblet from the 1927 German Theatre Exhibition.

The numismatics collection includes 11,000 coins and 2,400 medals, such as the Otto von Guericke plaque, a one-and-a-quarter show taler (1692), a bronze medal from the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, a Moritzpfennig (late 12th century), and a gold coin commemorating the founding of Magdeburg (1599). The militaria collection features 1,400 objects, including a halberd (late 16th century), a hand grenade (17th century), a heavy wall rifle (circa 1600), a fortress cannon (mid-17th century), and a storm helmet (late 16th century).

Interactive Experiences

One of the unique features of the museum is the Megedeborch, a historical reenactment project located in the museum's courtyard. From spring to autumn, students have the opportunity to experience medieval Magdeburg firsthand by assuming the roles of various professions, practicing crafts, and populating the reconstructed setting. This immersive experience brings history to life, making it an unforgettable educational adventure.

In conclusion, the Kulturhistorisches Museum Magdeburg is more than just a museum; it is a gateway to the past, offering visitors a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Magdeburg's rich cultural heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the city's past, this museum promises a memorable and enlightening experience.