Rescuing the Waldenburg Natural History Cabinet

The Waldenburg Natural History Cabinet, one of the oldest natural history collections in Germany, contains extremely rare and unique specimens of outstanding quality from the early 18th to the late 19th century. Because it is largely in its original condition, the cabinet itself provides insights of how specimens of natural history were presented in museums long ago. We are extremely lucky to have a historic ensemble like the Waldenburg cabinet, as few collections of such scientific and museum-historic importance still exist today. Therefore, the KUR-project intended to preserve the museum in its unique form and entirety.
Since many of the specimens had been inadequately exhibited for more than 160 years or had suffered from amateur attempts to conserve them, they urgently needed professional care and preservation. This KUR project created the necessary conditions to professionally display the objects in order to prevent further deterioration and allow public access to the cabinet in the future. One of the special challenges involved preserving the original charm of the furniture and exhibition room, while, at the same time, installing the modern, exhibit-friendly conservation measures to protect the collection from the harmful effects of dust, light and temperature fluctuation.

Project administrator:
City of Waldenburg (Saxony)

Cooperative partners:
Saxon State Office for Museum Affairs
Museum of Natural History, Chemnitz
State Art Collections, Dresden, Mathematical-Physical Salon
Saxon State Office for Landmark Preservation