Oberschlesisches Landesmuseum

The Oberschlesisches Landesmuseum, located in Ratingen, Germany, is the central museum for the history and culture of Upper Silesia. It is supported by the Stiftung Haus Oberschlesien, a foundation established in 1970 under private law.

• Permanent Exhibition: The exhibition covers about 1000 square meters and presents over 1,000 historical exhibits that convey the tumultuous history of Upper Silesia from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century. The focus is on the themes "Upper Silesia before Industrialization," "Upper Silesia and Industry," and "Upper Silesia in the Politics of the 20th Century"[2][5].
• Temporary Exhibitions: Regular temporary exhibitions on cultural, social, and economic history take place on the ground floor of the museum, complementing the permanent exhibition[5].
• Lectures, Concerts, and Readings: The museum offers a diverse program of lectures, concerts, and readings that invite visitors to discover, enjoy, and discuss Upper Silesian culture[1].
• Museum Educational Programs: There are special programs for all age groups, including activity afternoons for children and teenagers as well as school classes[5].
• Escape Rooms: The "Silesia Challenges" allow visitors to playfully immerse themselves in Upper Silesian history and culture by acting as a journalism team[1][5].

The main mission of the Oberschlesisches Landesmuseum is to collect, preserve, research, and convey the cultural heritage of Upper Silesia. Under the motto "Preserving Heritage, Shaping the Future," the museum works on the cultural and social integration of German expellees and late resettlers from Upper Silesia. It serves as an active link in communication policy and interregional cooperation, particularly with Poland and the Czech Republic[1][2].

The museum is committed to European dialogue and cross-border cooperation. It is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and has had an intensified partnership with the Polish Voivodeship of Silesia since 2000. The museum's work focuses on conveying and transferring knowledge about the culture and history of Upper Silesia, which makes an important contribution to sustainability in cultural education and intercultural understanding[2].

The museum is designed to be accessible and offers facilities for people with mobility impairments or wheelchairs. It has elevators and accessible restrooms, making it an inclusive cultural venue[5].

The Oberschlesisches Landesmuseum is thus not only a place of remembrance and cultural heritage but also a vibrant space for education, dialogue, and intercultural understanding.

• 1 - https://oberschlesisches-landesmuseum.de
• 2 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberschlesisches_Landesmuseum
• 3 - https://oberschlesisches-landesmuseum.de/startseite-oslm/das-oberschlesische-landesmuseum/
• 4 - http://www.rheinischemuseen.de/museum/DE-MUS-257518
• 5 - https://www.neanderland.de/poi/oberschlesisches-landesmuseum