In the heart of Saxony, the Staatliches Museum für Archäologie Chemnitz (smac) stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and historical discovery. Nestled within the iconic former Schocken Department Store, this museum is a testament to the region's rich archaeological narrative, tracing human history from ancient times to the industrial age.
The museum's permanent exhibition is a captivating journey through 300,000 years of Saxon history. Spread over three floors and 3,000 square meters, it begins with the earliest hunters and gatherers and culminates in the dawn of industrialization. The first floor alone covers almost 300,000 years, showcasing ancient stone tools from the Middle Paleolithic era and exquisite horse engravings over 12,000 years old. Visitors can delve into topics like climate history, evolution, and genetics, enhanced by a unique museum laboratory developed in collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.
A standout feature is the Transparent Neanderthal, offering insights into the differences between Neanderthals and modern humans. Modeled after the Transparent Man of the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden, it provides a fascinating glimpse into our prehistoric ancestors.
On the second floor, the focus shifts to the agricultural cultures from the Neolithic to the early Middle Ages. Highlights include the 7,000-year-old wooden enclosure from Zwenkau, one of Europe's oldest wooden structures, and intricately decorated ceramic vessels from Altscherbitz. The floor also features the oldest male figurine in Central Europe and the Venus of Zauschwitz, a Neolithic female idol. The Bronze Age section dazzles with treasure-like deposits, such as those from Kyhna and Dobritz, while a mirror installation vividly illustrates Iron Age and Roman Imperial fashion.
The third floor offers a window into medieval life, with a 40-meter-long display of 1,200 everyday objects unearthed from urban core excavations. The mining industry, pivotal to Saxony's history, takes center stage here. A treasure chamber showcases archival documents from the Dresden Main State Archives, providing a rare glimpse into the region's written heritage. The exhibition concludes in 1839 with the inauguration of the Leipzig-Dresden railway, marking the onset of industrialization.
The museum is housed in the former Schocken Department Store, a masterpiece designed by architect Erich Mendelsohn in the late 1920s. Originally a bustling hub with over 700 employees, the store became a significant economic force in Chemnitz. However, during the Nazi era, the Schocken family faced persecution, and the store was seized. Post-war, it served various functions before being transformed into the archaeological museum it is today.
Beyond its permanent collection, smac hosts special exhibitions on its fourth floor, covering diverse topics from ancient salt production to the cultural treasures of Vietnam. Since 2019, the museum has also embraced digital exhibitions through its smac+ platform, broadening access to its wealth of knowledge.
Whether you're a history aficionado or a curious traveler, the Staatliches Museum für Archäologie Chemnitz offers an unforgettable exploration of Saxony's past. With its innovative displays and rich storytelling, it brings to life the region's journey through time, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the cultural tapestry of Germany.
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