Freedom in the focus: Exhibition shows fights from yesterday and today in Dresden

Freedom in the focus: Exhibition shows fights from yesterday and today in Dresden

The social currents of freedom and the struggle for individual rights are the focus of the new exhibition "Freedom. An unfinished story", which can be seen in the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden until May 31, 2026. This comprehensive show pulls threads from the freedom movements of the 70s and 80s - especially in Poland, Czechoslovakia and the GDR - to today's time. [FAZ.NET] reports that the exhibition addresses the legacy of these movements and at the same time overlooks current debates about freedom.

Central part of this exhibition is an impressive picture of Norbert Wagenbrett, which is entitled "Departure". It shows a boy and a girl who is against an impending gray slag. This visual comment is not only interpreted as a symbol for the east-west conflict, but also as a reflection on our current challenges, which the exhibition vividly displays. Another outstanding work is "the neighbor who wants to fly" by Wolfgang Mattheuer, which impressively visualizes the longing for freedom. These works of art are accompanied by an extensive range of historical photos, films and drawings.

Freedom in focus

The topic of freedom is varied and is not only historically illuminated in this exhibition. Questions about restrictions on individual freedoms during corona pandemic and discussions about regulations on behalf of climate protection are space. The argument about the concept of freedom and how it is exploited by various political actors is critically questioned. These reflections are particularly relevant if you look at the current social disputes and take a look at the challenges that arise from the conflict between individual rights and the common good. [dhmd.de] informs that the exhibition in cooperation with the European Solidarność Center in Danzig, the National Gallery in Prague and the National Museum in Wroclaw was designed.

The exhibition invites visitors to think about the similarities and differences in the ideals of freedom and to have a discussion about how civil rights movements, such as Solidarność in Poland, affect other movements in Europe and beyond. These civil rights movements of the 20th and 21st centuries, which also shape modern protests, are an expression of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice and have profound social, cultural and economic effects in our companies. [Das-wissen.de] emphasizes how these movements have a significant impact on history and created new social norms.

multimedia experience

The catalog for the exhibition, which combines important information and impressive image documents, is available for 20 euros and complements the experiences on site. Under the patronage of Claudia Roth and Dr. Wolfram Weimer, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media, offers the exhibition a significant contribution to the current debate about freedom in our modern societies.

The exhibition "Freedom. An unfinished story" not only offers a historical review, but is also a call to think and act.