Lügenmuseum

Before being set free in the interior of the museum visitors are greeted with a cup of tea. The staff explains that the Lügenmuseum, or “lie museum,” is dedicated to telling lies in service of the truth. They tell a fictional origin story for the museum, namely that a little girl from a wealthy family decided to create the museum in the late 1800s and that her collection was rediscovered and put on display here. Inside visitors will find further “lies,” including art installations such as Van Gogh’s ear.

Venturing deeper into the museum, visitors encounter a visual and auditory cacophony from the wide array of light installations, curios, collages, animatronics, and more, which convey a surreal atmosphere and a frenetic energy. 

The museum was curated by artist Reinhard Zabka and features much of his own work. He initially began creating art in the former German Democratic Republic as a form of protest and met opposition from authorities. In response, he cut up his pieces, which the authorities accepted as sufficiently depoliticizing them and thereby creating his signature collage style. After the reunification of Germany, he opened his workshop to the public as a museum. The museum has been in its current location in Radebeul since 2012.