Location
Chomutov, Czech republic
Eröffnung um 17 Uhr in der St. Katharinenkirche, 1. Mai-Platz, Chomutov; Vortrag um 17.30 Uhr im Rouge, Chelčického 100, Chomutov
The exhibition of historical photographs by Hermann Krauße offers a unique window into life in the Ore Mountains at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Through his detailed glass negatives, we can glimpse the daily lives of craftsmen, farmers, families, and woodcutters who lived and worked in the harsh yet inspiring mountain environment. Organized as part of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025, this exhibition presents stories celebrating human creativity, traditions, and resilience in the distinctive setting of the region.
Hermann Krauße (1865–1945) was a talented amateur photographer living in the village of Steinbach in the Ore Mountains. Beginning in 1904, he captured his surroundings on glass slides – neighbors, workers in his factory, their everyday lives, and the beauty of the Ore Mountain landscape.Today, this treasure trove of 2,597 photographs is available, documenting not only the transformations of the Ore Mountains but also the daring spirit of a photographer and innovator. The exhibition offers a glimpse into Hermann Krauße’s world, where his lens connected the ordinary with the extraordinary, creating a unique portrayal of the region and its people.
Historian Josef Märc, will explore how we remember and forget local and regional historical contexts and how we revisit history. The lecture „limits of memory“ aims to open a discussion on how the heritage of a region shapes its perception by newcomers and, conversely, how it is influenced by those coming from outside.
