- Domestic life and self-identity take center stage at the National Exhibition of 2029
By 2025 summer, the comprehensive plan for Saxony's fifth state exhibition in 2029 is expected to surface. The State Agency for State Palaces, Castles, and Gardens GmbH (SGB) is spearheading this annual event titled "Meißen 929 - 1100 Years of Saxony". In these tumultuous times, as stated by Minister of Culture Barbara Klepsch (CDU) at the Albrechtsburg in Meißen, the "birthplace of Saxony" and original venue for the exhibition, "we're nurturing our homeland, Saxony, and our Saxon identity through this state exhibition."
"Our Saxon hues, white and green, resonate as home and identity for our folks," Klepsch added. The exhibition serves as a fantastic platform for Saxony to delve into itself, affirming shared values, shared history, and charting a future path from it.
Identity emerges as the central theme
"This won't be a historical exhibition; rather, identity will be our primary focus," expressed Christian Striefler, director of the State Palaces, Castles, and Gardens of Saxony. "Our goal is to transform, in a multi-hour museum visit, what has shaped Saxony in the past, present, and future, into a tangible experience." The exhibition will tackle this topic thematically with a personal and individual standpoint on Saxon identity in mind.
The 1100-year history of Saxony will be presented in a relatable and entertaining manner, spanning the Middle Ages to the Baroque era, National Socialism, DDR era, or Silicon Saxony, shared Striefler. Specific characteristics, crucial chapters, critical highlights, and identity-forming factors have been highlighted for this purpose.
Saxony will be showcased in its international connections, vigor, and potential, narrating individual narratives, displaying select artifacts, and treating topics playfully.
Approximately 8 million euros has been allocated for this venture. The scientific advisory board will guide the concept development in 2025, and practical implementation will commence in 2026. The Albrechtsburg and its wall paintings already present salient exhibits fitting this self-reflection, remarked Dirk Welich, head of museums at the SGB.
The 29 wall paintings, created in the 1870s, already depict a sequence of historical events - from the castle's establishment and the formation of Meißen Mark in 929 by German King Henry I to the invention of European porcelain in the castle in 1709, bearing witness to Saxony's rich history.
Saxony is extended an invitation to engage and contribute to the presentation in regional projects in 2027 and 2028.
Since 1990, four state exhibitions have been held: "Time and Eternity" in 1998 at the Kloster St. Marienstern (Panschwitz-Kuckau) on the Middle Ages, monasteries, and sacred art, "Faith and Power" in 2004 in Torgau on Saxony and the Reformation, "Via Regia" in 2011 in Görlitz on the old trade route, and "Industrial Culture" in 2020/2021 in the Zwickau/Chemnitz region.
The exhibition aims to foster a sense of belonging and pride among Saxons, engaging 'The Community' in exploring their shared history and identity. The community involvement extends to regional projects in 2027 and 2028, further strengthening the connection between 'The Community' and Saxony's rich history.
