History

With the old miners' greeting "Glück auf", we bid you welcome to the mining town of Schneeberg.  The discovery of rich deposits of silver and cobalt in the area gave rise to a new settlement - and determined the town's fortunes from the 15th century onwards. Its former wealth is reflected in its magnificent 18th century baroque biuldings. Minign gave rise to the traditional miners'  art of woodcarving. Similarly, the art of bobbin lace-making is a traditional practice that is alive and well in the region.

This is particularly in evidence in the wide ranging collections that can be viewed at the Museum of Mining Folk Art. Above all it is evident in the carved figure of the miner, proudly proclaiming his profession and historical parade dress or as a bearer of light. The Museum is also home to a variety of pyramids, traditional rotating lamps and finely carved works depiciting everyday life in the region. Exquisite ivory carvings and household pewterware bear witness to the skill of local cratfsmen in days gone by. One remarkable highlight of the exhibition is the model mine known as the "Weißer Hirsch" (White Deer), which brings the subterranean realm of the miner vividly to life. All the mining activities are realistically shown in 3D. Mechanisms have been constructed by the simplest of means - an interplay of shafts, wheels, levers, threads and wires. The people of the region were very devout, and their faith is demonstrated in their fondness for mechanical nativity scenes (Weihnachsberge, or "Christmas mountains"), The hugely popular Bible in Pictures created by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld was the inspiration for scenes from the Bible some 100 years ago. Each piece is so richly detailed that you discover something new every time you view it.

Crossing and turning small wooden bobbins - it all sounds quite simple. And it's precisely this simplicity that makes it possible to craft an almost infinite variety of exquisite works of art for decorative table linen, clothing and accessories. The Museum exhibits also include a historical pattern book containing over one hundred precious (sometimes incredibly delicate) samples made from linen yarn and gold and silver thread.