In 2026, the Silesian Museum in Görlitz will have two important occasions to celebrate, reflect on its achievements and future plans, and rediscover history.
The museum building, the Schönhof in the heart of Görlitz’s old town, is celebrating its 500th anniversary. Following a fire that ravaged the town, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style from 1526 onwards. Over the centuries, the building has seen periods of prosperity, upheaval and decline, until it was reopened 20 years ago as a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Silesia.
„We are SCHÖNHOF!“ – temporary exhibition from 31 May 2026 to 14 February 2027
To mark these two anniversaries, the museum is dedicating the exhibition “We are SCHÖNHOF!” to the Schönhof from 31 May 2026 to 14 February 2027. It tells the story of this architectural gem, its unique features and the restoration of the historic building as a museum. Visitors will learn about the craftsmanship of artisans spanning several centuries, as well as the building’s changing appearance and use. The struggle to preserve the Schönhof since the beginning of the 20th century also illustrates the development of heritage conservation in Görlitz. Numerous contemporary witnesses and experts share their insights in interviews. A specially produced animated film guides children and adults through the eventful history of the Schönhof.
In addition, a comprehensive publication in German and Polish on the architectural and usage history of the Schönhof will be released in the middle of the year. The authors of the volume include Görlitz City Archivist Siegfried Hoche, architect Frank Vater, historian Andrzej Bruno Kutiak, and the former director of the Silesian Museum, Markus Bauer. The publication and exhibition are made possible by funding from the Saxon Ministry of the Interior.
The highlight of the varied programme of events in this anniversary year is the museum festival on 13 September 2026. Under the motto “We’re delighted you’re here!”, the museum invites you to experience one of Görlitz’s most architecturally significant buildings as a “festival venue” on Open Monument Day, with music, dancing, crafts and culinary delights.
The Schönhof in Görlitz
The Schönhof is the main building of the Silesian Museum in Görlitz and is one of the oldest Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. As early as the Middle Ages, it was a central location in the town and served as a residential and commercial building for the town’s wealthiest families. Its origins date back to the time when Görlitz was founded around 1300. At that time, Görlitz developed into the most important trading town between Breslau and Erfurt. The Via Regia trade route ran through Görlitz’s Lower Market and directly past the Schönhof. Merchants stopped there to sell woad, salt or cloth. In the 15th century, royal guests also stayed in the house.
The Schönhof acquired its distinctive Renaissance façade following the devastating town fire of 1525 and became a model for many of the town’s town houses. It underwent a second renovation around 1617. Today, the building can be experienced in its original layout, complete with wall and ceiling paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Silesian Museum in Görlitz
The permanent exhibition is dedicated to the history and culture of Silesia from the Middle Ages to the present day. It focuses on this fascinating region in the heart of Europe, with its eventful history and diverse culture.
On display are art and crafts from the 17th to the 20th centuries, as well as objects relating to everyday life, politics, craftsmanship and industry. The digital exhibition area ‘Silesia since 1945’ offers a wealth of photographic and film material on recent history. A children’s corner invites the youngest visitors to discover Silesia through play.
Saturday, 30.05.2026
