Summer in Leipzig

29 April 2026 – 25 October 2026
Special exhibition
Museum of City History Leipzig, Böttchergäßchen Building, Böttchergäßchen 3, 04109 Leipzig

Sun-drenched summers – that is what many Leipzigers have always dreamed of. They satisfy the longing for light, air, and a more relaxed lifestyle - long sun-filled days and balmy nights. In addition, summer also means holidays – whether at home or abroad, with memories captured on Super 8 film and videotape or, more recently, stored on memory cards.

Summer holds the promise of bright fashion, ice lollies, barbecues, parties, and outdoor concerts – and, in particular, fun in the water, whether in lakes, rivers, or the bathing spots and swimming pools that have long since been forgotten. And swimwear and swimming styles have changed just as much as outdoor sports.

But this bright and sunny perspective is only one side of the coin: heatwaves, droughts, and storms are now more frequent and increasingly pose challenges for Leipzig. Bringing nature back into the city is intended to help make summer more bearable. Otherwise, the sun’s charm can quickly wear thin.

This exhibition explores 400 years of summer feelings – carefree, but not careless. With bright and cheeky pieces, as well as deeply evocative ones, it invites visitors to rediscover the season of love and the joy of living.