Pomeranian State Museum

In the heart of Greifswald, nestled in the picturesque region of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, lies the Pomeranian State Museum, known locally as Pommersches Landesmuseum. This cultural gem offers a fascinating journey through the history, art, and culture of the former Province of Pomerania. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, the Pomeranian State Museum promises an enriching experience that bridges the past and the present.

The History of the Pomeranian State Museum

The origins of the Pomeranian State Museum date back to 1996 when it was established as a foundation under civil law. The reunification of Germany opened new avenues for presenting and exploring the history of Pomerania, leading to the creation of this institution. The founding members included the Federal Republic of Germany, the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the University and Hanseatic City of Greifswald, the University of Greifswald, and the Pomeranian Landsmannschaft, among others.

In 1993, the city of Greifswald and the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University jointly applied to the state ministry for the establishment of the museum. The city provided historical buildings in the town center for the project, and in 1996, an architectural competition was held, with the office of Gregor Sunder-Plassmann emerging as the winner. The renovation and expansion of the museum buildings began in 1998 and were completed in 2005. The painting gallery opened its doors in May 2000, and the entire Pomeranian State Museum was officially inaugurated on June 3, 2005.

The Architecture of the Museum

The Pomeranian State Museum spans four buildings, all connected by a glass hall known as the Museum Street. The main building, a neoclassical structure, was originally constructed between 1843 and 1845 as a poorhouse on the site of the demolished cloister building of the Franciscan monastery. Post-World War II, the building served as a refuge for refugees, the elderly, and resettlers. It was later converted into social housing until 1999. Today, the main building houses the permanent exhibition on regional history across three floors.

Adjacent to the glass hall are the late Gothic monastery library and the former convent building of the Franciscan monastery. The monastery library has been part of the local museum since 1929, and the convent building was added in the 1950s. These structures now house the museum administration and educational department, while the convent building is used for special exhibitions.

The painting gallery is located in a building originally designed by architect and painter Johann Gottfried Quistorp between 1793 and 1797. This two-story building was constructed using bricks from the demolished monastery church and now showcases a remarkable collection of artworks.

The Permanent Historical Exhibition

The permanent historical exhibition at the Pomeranian State Museum covers 14,000 years of history along the southern Baltic coast, displayed through approximately 2,500 objects. The journey begins in the basement with geological exhibits, including an impressive 8.5-ton boulder discovered in Jarmen. The exhibition then traces the history of Pomerania from the Stone Age through the Middle Ages to the Reformation, featuring relics such as the Croÿ Tapestry and the Esther Tapestry. One of the largest exhibits is the incomplete Holy Trinity Altar from St. Jakobi / Heilgeist parish in Stralsund.

The upper floors of the exhibition delve into the Swedish, Prussian, and Imperial periods in Pomerania, as well as the 20th century to the present day. Visitors can engage with interactive displays, including original video and audio recordings, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's history.

The Painting Gallery

The painting gallery at the Pomeranian State Museum spans two floors in the neoclassical Quistorp building. It features works from various periods, primarily sourced from the former Museum of the Hanseatic City of Greifswald and the rescued collection of the Municipal Museum for Art and Applied Arts in Szczecin. Currently, the gallery is undergoing renovations and is set to reopen in 2025 as the 'Gallery of Romanticism,' with a focus on Romantic art. In the interim, selected favorites are displayed in the convent building, with three consecutive special exhibitions dedicated to Caspar David Friedrich scheduled for 2024.

The museum's collection boasts masterpieces by renowned artists such as Frans Hals, Caspar David Friedrich, and Vincent van Gogh. Visitors can admire works from the European late Mannerism and Baroque periods, including pieces by Andrea Michieli, Georg Flegel, Wilhelm van Aelst, Cornelis Verbeeck, and Sébastien Bourdon. The landscape paintings of Classicism are represented by Friedrich Wilhelm Hirt, Jakob Phillipp Hackert, and Joseph Anton Koch, among others. The German Romanticism section features works by Philipp Otto Runge, Carl Gustav Carus, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, and, of course, Caspar David Friedrich. The gallery also includes pieces from the late Romantic period by Anselm Feuerbach, Adolph Menzel, and Karl Blechen, as well as works by artists on the path to modernism, such as Wilhelm Leibl, Wilhelm Trübner, Max Slevogt, Albert Weisgerber, Max Liebermann, and Bernhard Pankok. A highlight of the collection is Vincent van Gogh's 'Allee bei Arles,' painted in 1888. The gallery also showcases works by German Expressionists Max Pechstein, Dora Koch-Stetter, and Ilse Heyden-Linden, as well as Pomeranian artists Carl Ludwig Christoph (Louis) Douzette and Elisabeth Büchsel.

Provenance and Support

Many of the museum's exhibits are on loan from the University of Greifswald, including the Croÿ Tapestry, the Esther Tapestry, the Lubin Map, and the painting 'Maria at the Window.' The Pomeranian State Museum is supported by federal funding under Section 96 of the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG), ensuring the preservation and presentation of Pomerania's rich cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the Pomeranian State Museum is not just a repository of artifacts but a vibrant cultural institution that fosters understanding and reconciliation with Poland. Its diverse collections and engaging exhibitions make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Pomerania. So, whether you're exploring the geological wonders of the region, delving into its tumultuous history, or admiring the masterpieces of renowned artists, the Pomeranian State Museum offers a captivating experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of this unique region.