Zwickau remembers: Special exhibition on 80 rebels pardoned in 1525

Zwickau remembers: Special exhibition on 80 rebels pardoned in 1525

An exciting new special exhibition entitled “1525. Peasants at War” awaits visitors in the priests’ houses in Zwickau. This will open on June 29, 2025 and will remain open until October 26, 2025. The focus of the exhibition is on a significant historical event: On July 29, 1525, one-off pardons of 80 rebels who were sentenced to death for rebellion took place in Zwickau. This rare exception in the context of the German Peasants' War illustrates the complexity of the situation at the time, in which bloody repressions took place elsewhere. Blick reports that ...

Zwickau is therefore a unique location for commemorating the German Peasants' War, which lasted from 1524 to 1526. This uprising brought people from all different backgrounds together - not only farmers, but also craftsmen, townspeople, miners and clergy to defend themselves against social inequality and political arbitrariness. A look at history reveals that the insurgents incorporated the revolutionary ideas of the Reformation into their demands - a time marked by hardship and misery. [Priesterhäuser states that...](https://www.priesterhaeuser.de/de/ exhibitions/sonder exhibition.php)

A look at the exhibition

The exhibition shows impressive originals, pamphlets and contemporary representations that reflect the high emotions and conflicts of the time. A special highlight is a diorama of the Zwickau pardon scene, made by Douglas Miller. This diorama not only represents a historical moment, but also humanity in a time of profound upheaval. The work of art will certainly touch visitors and give them an impressive insight into the social challenges of the time. Blick emphasizes that...

The exhibition is accompanied by guided tours, lectures and author readings. These events invite you to delve deeper into the topic and better understand the historical context. Using concepts such as the “Twelve Articles” that were drawn up at the time, the human rights and social demands of the insurgents can be clearly understood. The German Peasants' War was not only a violent conflict, but also a huge outcry for fairer living conditions in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. Deutschlandfunk explains that...

The historical context

The causes of this uprising are diverse and deeply rooted in the social injustice of the feudal system. Peasants were often plagued by poverty and indebtedness, with lives dominated by the despotism of landowners. When breadwinners died, half of the inheritance was often given to the feudal lord, which was not only economically burdensome but also exerted enormous emotional pressure. The uprising began in 1524 and did not stop at monasteries and castles. Despite the massive social unrest, the farmers' leading demands for more justice were not realized until the final battle on November 4, 1525.

For all history buffs and culture enthusiasts, the special exhibition in the Priesthäuser Museum Zwickau offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about this moving period of German history. The opening takes place on June 29th at 2 p.m. and it's worth taking a look behind the scenes at this important chapter.