The State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz, abbreviated as smac, is the archaeological-cultural state museum of the Free State of Saxony. It was inaugurated on May 15, 2014, and is housed in the former Schocken department store. This museum is a successor institution to the State Museum of Prehistory Dresden and is part of the State Office for Archaeology Saxony.
The museum's permanent exhibition spans 300,000 years of human history in Saxony, concluding with the era of industrialization. It provides a comprehensive overview of the development of Saxony from the time of the first hunters and gatherers to the onset of industrialization. Additionally, there are three smaller exhibitions dedicated to the history of the Schocken department store, its founder Salman Schocken, and the architect of the building, Erich Mendelsohn.
The museum's exhibition space is spread over approximately 3000 square meters across three floors. The first floor of the exhibition covers almost 300,000 years, representing the longest period of the archaeological permanent exhibition. This floor includes the oldest stone tools from the Middle Paleolithic period found at the Markkleeberg site.
The second floor of the museum showcases the farming cultures from the Neolithic period (5500 BC) to the early Middle Ages (800 AD). This includes the 7000-year-old wooden casing of the Bandkeramik well at Zwenkau, one of the oldest wooden structures in Europe. The third floor offers an insight into the medieval world of life with its presentation of 1200 everyday objects from Saxon city core excavations.
History & Anthropology Archaeology Industrial heritage Medieval art & Early Renaissance art
#3 History & Anthropology in Chemnitz #2 Industrial & heritage museums in Chemnitz #56 History & Anthropology in Saxony #3 Archaeology museums in Saxony #15 Industrial & heritage museums in Saxony #7 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Saxony #127 Archaeology museums in Germany #96 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Germany
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 20:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Stefan-Heym-Platz 1, Chemnitz
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State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz has 1 rating.
The State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz offers visitors a comprehensive look into the archaeological history of Saxony. Located in the heart of Chemnitz, Germany, this museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts that span from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
Visitors often praise the museum's modern and interactive exhibits, which make learning about archaeology engaging for all ages. The chronological layout of the exhibitions allows for a clear understanding of the region's historical development. Many reviewers appreciate the detailed information provided alongside the artifacts, available in both German and English.
A highlight frequently mentioned is the Nebra Sky Disc exhibit, a significant Bronze Age artifact that attracts many history enthusiasts. The museum also receives positive feedback for its temporary exhibitions, which often feature intriguing themes and newly discovered artifacts.
While the museum generally receives positive reviews, some visitors note that it may not be as expansive as other major archaeological museums. A few reviewers mention that more context about how the local findings relate to broader European history could enhance the experience.
The museum's accessibility and well-organized layout are often commended, making it easy for visitors to navigate through the different time periods. The staff is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, contributing to a positive experience.
Overall, the State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz provides an informative and well-presented journey through Saxony's archaeological past, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in regional history and archaeology.
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