Opening of the successful exhibition on Jewish history in Frankfurt (Oder)

Opening of the successful exhibition on Jewish history in Frankfurt (Oder)

An exciting cultural event is coming soon in the heart of Frankfurt (Oder). On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the special exhibition “The Jewish Community of Frankfurt (Oder) introduces itself” will open at 4:00 p.m. in the Viadrina Municipal Museum. This exhibition is more than just a show; it takes a look at the long and eventful history of the Jewish community in Frankfurt (Oder), which dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can look forward to 16 informative text panels that illuminate the facets of Jewish life and work in this city. On the occasion of the opening, greetings will be given by important personalities such as Dr. Tim S. Müller, museum director, and Larissa Bargtel, chairwoman of the Jewish Community Frankfurt (Oder) e.V. Andreas Büttner, the commissioner for combating anti-Semitism in the state of Brandenburg, will also speak.

A special highlight of the event is the introductory lecture by Martin Patzelt, the former mayor of Frankfurt (Oder). The well-known Choir of the Joy of Life provides the musical accompaniment, while the moderation is Dr. Karl-Konrad Tschäpe takes over. Admission to the opening is free and the exhibition can be seen until Sunday, November 9, 2025. Afterwards, those interested can visit the exhibition at the regular price of 5.30 euros per person or at a reduced price of 3.40 euros. For thematic press inquiries, Dr. Tim S. Müller is available on 0335 401560 and via email: tim.mueller@museum-viadrina.de, as reported by frankfurt-oder.de.

Insights into Jewish history

The exhibition not only addresses the current Jewish community, but also highlights the diverse historical aspects of Jewish culture on the Oder. The river itself was a meeting place for German-Jewish and Polish-Jewish influences for centuries. As brandenburg.de writes, Jewish printing was located here, and important personalities contributed to the development of churches and health resorts. But not everything was harmonious: nationalism and anti-Semitism threatened the cultural diversity in the region, which had tragic consequences. The forgetting of Jewish history and the destruction of many relevant traces went hand in hand with the persecutions of National Socialism.

In post-war Germany, the Oder became the German-Polish border, which led to the expulsion of the German population. Jewish Shoa survivors initially found refuge in the region, but emigrated again by the end of 1968, influenced by the pogroms in Kielce and the founding of the State of Israel, as the exhibition focuses on. The aim is to rediscover the region's German-Polish-Jewish cultural heritage and stimulate conversations about the past.

Take a look into the eventful past of the Jewish community in Frankfurt (Oder) and be captivated by the stories told in this impressive exhibition. The exhibition invites you to reflect on the rich Jewish culture and its challenges and achievements. Visit the Viadrina Municipal Museum and experience history at your fingertips. For more information about the i-Ready Connect app to support students, which is also relevant in this context, you can take a look at apps.apple.com.