Sunseeker exhibition in Zwickau extended until October 2025!

Sunseeker exhibition in Zwickau extended until October 2025!

In Zwickau, the exhibition “Sun Seekers! Art and Mining of Wismut” is a real visitor magnet. Originally scheduled to run until August 10, 2025, the run has now been extended to October 26, 2025 in response to the high level of interest that has already been generated by almost 6,000 guests since the opening in April 2023. The event takes place in the historic 1896 cotton mill on Pölbitzer Straße, an authentic place with a direct connection to the history of bismuth. Opening hours are Wednesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., ideal for a weekend visit.

“The exhibition focuses on Wismut’s impressive art collection, which includes over 4,000 works by around 450 artists,” explains Dr. Julia Dünkel from the Wismut Foundation. Particular attention is paid to the connection between mining and art, as well as to the social changes in the region caused by the uranium ore mining legacy. The project is supported by partners such as the city of Zwickau, the Kunstverein Zwickau e. V. and the Dresden Institute for Cultural Studies e. V. The exhibition is also an official cooperation project of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025, which promotes cultural dialogue in the region.

Insights into the GDR

The “Sunseeker” exhibition not only offers a look at the art of Bismuth, but also addresses the social and political context of the GDR. Bismuth's history is closely linked to the mining of weapons-grade uranium during the Cold War, which made it a “state within a state” within the GDR. This facet is impressively illuminated by around 80 paintings, 150 graphic works as well as photographs, films and historical documents.

“It’s not just about the art, but also about the people who lived and worked during this time,” says Dr. Paul Kaiser from the Dresden Institute. The offering will be further enriched from the beginning of May 2025 with a supporting program that, in addition to film screenings, also includes readings and contemporary witness discussions. Here, visitors can delve even deeper into the topic and understand the effects of mining on people, society and the environment.

A cultural melting pot

The exhibition “Sun Seekers!” is considered an important part of regional identity and promotes the visibility of art in eastern Germany. The connection between art and mining makes the exhibition not only an experience for art lovers, but also a place for reflection on one's own history and identity. The supra-regional interest underlines the cultural relevance of the project, which radiates beyond the borders of Zwickau.

For anyone interested in the history and art of Bismuth, the exhibition “Sunseeker!” an absolute must. Whether visiting the exhibition or one of the many events – Wismut and its art collection offer plenty of material for thought and discussion. Further information can be found on the official website of the Wismut Foundation and the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 at bismuth and Chemnitz2025.