The exhibition "Sonnensucher!" offers a comprehensive insight into the most important art collection of a GDR company and combines art with historical, political and social contexts - in particular the changes following German reunification.
During the Cold War, SDAG Wismut mined weapons-grade uranium for the Soviet Union in western Saxony and eastern Thuringia and was also regarded as a "state within a state" within the GDR. In addition to its industrial activities, Wismut built up an impressive art collection - with over 4,000 works by around 450 artists, which is now being shown in Zwickau for the first time. The works focus on working people in the GDR. At the same time, the consequences of Wismut mining for people, society and the environment, which can still be felt today, are shown, providing the opportunity to convey a holistic picture.
For the first time in Zwickau, at an authentic site of Wismut's history, around 80 paintings and 150 graphic works, supplemented by photographs, films and historical documents, will be on display. Other items on loan also focus on mining in the region and in the GDR as a whole.
The design of the exhibition combines classic exhibit presentation with audiovisual media to give visitors access not only to the art, but also to the historical and social context. The result is an overall picture that shows the importance of Wismut both as an industrial company and as a cultural player in the GDR - and at the same time incorporates developments after 1990.
The venue is the former cotton mill in Zwickau - a renovated industrial monument with an extraordinary architectural history. After the opening on 9 April 2025, the exhibition will be open to all interested parties until 10 August 2025. From the beginning of May 2025, an extensive supporting programme is planned with film screenings, readings and lectures, as well as discussions with contemporary witnesses.
More about the "Sun Seekers!" exhibition