Myth of the Atom - Exhibition

11.1.2020 - 1.3.2020

We cordially invite you to the exhibition Following the Trail of Uranium: "Myth of the Atom".

“All mining is a struggle with the elements.” Alexander von Humboldt

The exhibition about radioactivity, uranium mining, and the search for storage sites. Uranium mining in the Ore Mountains experienced a boom during the so-called Cold War and played an important role in the context of the "arms race". The political dimension of mining had a harsh impact on the fates of people.

The Regional Museum and Gallery in Most, in the framework of cross-border cooperation with the City and Mining Museum in Freiberg, presents the traveling exhibition "Myth of the Atom", in the newly renovated exhibition attic spaces of OMGM. From May to September, it was installed in Freiberg, then it traveled to Most, and from there it is set to continue to other locations in the Czech Republic and Germany.

The initiative was born from the City and Mining Museum in Freiberg – a city that is home to the historically most significant mining university. The main drivers are primarily the museum director Andrea Riedel and historian Rainer Karlsch. The exhibition attempts to address the very challenging topic as objectively as possible. Uranium mining in the Ore Mountains experienced its greatest expansion during the so-called Cold War and played an important role in the context of the "arms race". The extraction of uranium on both the Czech and German sides of the mountains took place under the uncompromising supervision of the then Soviet Union. And it was precisely the political dimension of mining that had a harsh impact on the fates of people.

A look back serves as a memento, bringing knowledge that few visitors to the exhibition accept without strong emotions. The authors also attempted to present the future of uranium, particularly in connection with the gradual shutdown of nuclear power plants in Europe. This makes the exhibition highly relevant for both adult visitors and school youth.

Part of the installation is also a selection of exhibits loaned by the mining company Wismut GmbH, as well as documentation on the therapeutic use of radioactive substances and nuclear weapons.

The exhibition includes a diverse accompanying program focusing on various aspects of the topic and a guided program for schools.

The exhibition will run from 11.10.2019 to 1.3.2020.