EXHIBITED AND ADMIRED. People, technology and traditions at STIGA 1897

6.7.2022 – 31.10.2022

Old Town Hall, Markt 1, 04109 Leipzig

In 1897, Leipzig was in the midst of a profound process of change – in its anniversary year, the trade fair evolved into a modern sample fair. Industries and technology flourished. The STIGA [Saxon-Thuringian Exhibition of Industry and Commerce], promoted after suggestions by the city’s merchants, became the Leipzig’s most important industrial and commercial trade fair which emphasised the commercial importance of central Germany within the German empire – also, in competition with the monumental Berlin trade fair in 1896. Many innovative Leipzig companies presented their achievements, which were based on the positive start-up climate in the city and the political support it offered. Some of these companies would become important forces in the industrial culture of Leipzig. State-of-the-art exhibits contrasted these with historic architectures, village life – and people from East Africa.

The German East African Exhibition (DOAA) set up as a human show as part of the STIGA was a dehumanizing exhibition for the amusement of the white public. The DOAA was intended to legitimize economic exploitation and to consolidate the colonial-racist world view. Contrary to the supposedly „objective“ white historiography, in this part of the exhibition we focus on the perspective of the people on display. We look back. 

Technology, traditions and lifestyles became a mirror of their time.This special exhibition interacts with our permanent exhibition »Modern Times« – images and objects are contrasted with well-known views of the city or the trade fair. Visitors will be treated to new discoveries at the Old Town Hall!