Silver treasure from the Neumark: Rarities discovered in the Viadrina Museum!

Silver treasure from the Neumark: Rarities discovered in the Viadrina Museum!

On Friday, June 27, 2025, a remarkable silver collection from the 17th and 18th centuries was presented in the Viadrina Museum in Frankfurt (Oder). This collection, which includes ten sacred and profane exhibits, was acquired for 190,000 euros from private ownership. The financing of this important purchase was carried out by generous funds from donors, sponsors and official support from the Cultural Foundation of the States and the Brandenburg Ministry of Culture, reports rbb24

The objects of the collection are considered rare in the history of the history of East Brandenburg, which in particular reflect the cultural identity of the former Neumark, which lost numerous cultural assets through wars. The exhibits include several goblets, a ruble cup from the 18th century, a wiper box, a magnificent hump, a sacrament can and an official chain from Küstrin and the Neumark, such as Tagesspiegel added.

valuable purchase with history

The collector, a native of Berlin, had acquired the art objects on the international art market 40 years ago and kept in his collection for years. It is particularly interesting that most silver objects originate in the former fortress city of Küstrin (Kostrzyn). The oldest part of the collection dates to 1630, while the youngest goes back to 1754.

The museum director Tim Müller described the purchase as the most important since the turn. The issuing of the objects in the Frankfurt Museum is expected from April next year after the necessary safety upgrades have been completed. In addition, a temporary presentation of the silver treasure is planned in the fortress museum in Polish Kostrzyn. This presentation that is effective will not only appreciate the cultural heritage of the region, but also strengthen the connection between Germany and Poland.

The entire collection of the Frankfurt city museum was largely lost or looted after the end of the Second World War. There was also a significant loss of cultural assets during the Napoleonic Wars. This new acquisition is therefore not only an important addition to the museum, but also a step to restore the cultural memory of the region.

The promotion of the purchase was relieved by contributions from the Frankfurt Museum Funding Association and by Födermittel, which underlines the importance of the local community for maintaining culture. Expert reports on the value and cultural history importance of the objects were also commissioned in order to reaffirm the relevance of this exhibition.

Overall, the presentation of this silver treasure is a significant step in museum work and opens up exciting perspectives for future exhibitions that deal with the rich history of the Neumark and its cultural assets.