The Mittelmann Photo Archive in Leipzig

Who were Abram Mittelmann and his family, and who were the people who had their photographs taken in his studio? What set Mittelmann’s work apart? What was life like for Jewish people in Leipzig between 1900 and 1938? And how does the museum handle the more than 2,000 glass plates and use such artifacts to shed light on the dark chapters of history? These questions are explored during the approximately one-hour long tour of the special exhibition.

How can future generations come to terms with the crimes of National Socialism and the Shoah? How do we commemorate the victims and tell their stories? How do we address the issue of perpetrators? In her book *Gedenken neu Denken* (Rethinking Remembrance), journalist and author Susanne Siegert takes a critical look at these questions. Through her work on social media, she is finding new approaches—and reaching a wide audience. Drawing on her book and the exhibition, we’ll discuss how to appropriately engage with history—in museums, online, and in society.

Starting November 6, 2026, further results from the research and investigative work will be added to the exhibition, which is titled “Contrasts. Perspectives”. The expanded exhibition will focus on the artistic work of the eldest son, Eugen Leon Mittelmann (1906–1986). Documented evidence shows that he was experimenting with photographic techniques as early as 1925; he created collages and photomontages and produced a large number of the artist portraits found in the studio. In addition, he published material on imaging techniques and worked for magazines and book publishers before fleeing to France in 1933. Some of his publications and professional networks have only recently been identified, and further discoveries are expected. A significant number of unusual portraits will also be on display. The “Contrasts” theme will incorporate new archival findings regarding Abram Mittelmann’s successful professional career and the dramatic story of his persecution after 1933.

The program includes welcoming remarks and speeches by:
– Dr. Johanna Sänger, Exhibition Curator and Project Manager, Leipzig City History Museum
– Achim Beier, Academic Project Staff Member, Archiv Bürgerbewegung Leipzig e.V.
– Esther Kaack, Co-Curator and Museum Trainee, Leipzig City History Museum
– Küf Kaufmann, Jewish Religious Community of Leipzig; Ariowitsch House – Center for Jewish Culture; Year of Jewish Culture in Saxony; Tacheles 2026
– Dr. Anselm Hartinger, Director, Leipzig City History Museum

As part of the “Year of Jewish Culture in Saxony 2026 – Tacheles,” this conference focuses on the Jewish urban history of Leipzig and is jointly organized by the Leipzig City History Museum and the Leibniz Institute for Jewish History and Culture – Simon Dubnow. The program is characterized by its broad chronological scope and thematic diversity, while also highlighting the participation of both established experts and early-career researchers. A key focus is placed on the history of relationships and supra-regional perspectives regarding Leipzig’s Jewish history, as well as on previously under-examined periods—such as the history of Leipzig’s Jewish community in the post-war era and during the GDR.

Who were Abram Mittelmann and his family, and who were the people who had their photographs taken in his studio? What set Mittelmann’s work apart? What was life like for Jewish people in Leipzig between 1900 and 1938? And how does the museum handle the more than 2,000 glass plates and use such artifacts to shed light on the dark chapters of history? These questions are explored during the approximately one-hour long tour of the special exhibition.

One term, various definitions and manifestations: What is antisemitism? What characterized it during the Weimar Republic and under National Socialism? How did it manifest itself in society, in the media, and in the treatment of the Jewish population? What similarities and differences exist between it and today’s anti-Semitism? This panel discussion approaches the topic from an academic perspective while still striving to make it accessible to anyone interested—even those without prior academic knowledge.

Who were Abram Mittelmann and his family, and who were the people who had their photographs taken in his studio? What set Mittelmann’s work apart? What was life like for Jewish people in Leipzig between 1900 and 1938? And how does the museum handle the more than 2,000 glass plates and use such artifacts to shed light on the dark chapters of history? These questions are explored during the approximately one-hour long tour of the special exhibition.