Exhibition

Silbermann’s “Silver” Sound and Fascinating Craftsmanship –
Welcome to the World of Gottfried Silbermann’s Organs

Today, the building that once housed Gottfried Silbermann’s workshop 300 years ago contains a modern exhibition. Here, visitors can discover the art of the organ builder and experience the fascinating queen of instruments – by watching, listening and trying it out!

Explore: Workshop Demonstrations

In this carefully designed demonstration space, visitors will get a sense of the unique atmosphere of the former Silbermann organ workshop. Workbenches, tools and materials testify to the great artistry employed by Silbermann and his workers 300 years ago to create the organs that remain internationally renowned today. In the workshop, children’s groups can build their own wooden pipes and other instruments.

Experience First Hand: Playable Model Organ

This is how an organ works: The model (made according to Silbermann’s design) with two stops and 1½ octaves offers detailed insights into the operation and inner workings of an organ. On this small scale, one can understand the complex structure of a large instrument – from the wind system to the mechanical control to how sound is produced. And you are allowed to play this organ! If you would like to pump the bellows yourself to get the organ to produce a sound, this is the place to try it out.
The model has been designed by the Dresden organ builder Kristian Wegscheider.

Discover: the Silbermann Room

With his original wall inscription from the year 1601, the Silbermann Room reveals the origins of the historical building. The room offers space for lectures, symposia and small concerts. During the exhibition’s opening hours, visitors are invited to soak up the atmosphere here and enjoy the films being shown, the books and the organ music.

Watch and Listen: Virtual and Analogue

Besides the “real-life” organ, there is a virtual model. Using a touchscreen, an organ can be disassembled into its smallest individual parts and the complicated interplay of its components can be viewed from different perspectives.

In addition, extensive details of the life and work of Gottfried Silbermann are displayed on info-boards. Audio examples and short films will whet your appetite for experiencing his historical organs live, in all their glory. An interactive map shows the locations of all surviving instruments in the region.

Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday from 11 to 17
and by appointment

Entry
Adults 4,- Euro
Children and teenagers under 18 years free
Group prices on request

Contact
Tel. 03731 / 7746505
E-Mail: ausstellung@silbermann.org

Address
Gottfried-Silbermann-Gesellschaft e.V.
Schloßplatz 6
09599 Freiberg