In the special exhibition »Good Stuff. Textile Worlds from the Hanse Era to the Present«, that ran from October 2022 until October 2023, we showed how textiles connect past and present societies and that sustainability was and is vital then and now.
In this exhibition, visitors embarked on a journey from the Middle Ages to the future. It showed the history of production and trade and the importance of clothing for society.
We tried to show that globalisation, which seems to determine our lives today more than ever before, is not an entirely new phenomenon: How have textiles linked past and present societies? How is it possible to reconcile a fair and healthy world with our needs and desires for fabrics? Is globalisation a danger for human beings and the natural world or can it also be part of the solution to our current problems?
We divided the »Good Stuff« into five areas to experience them on site and digitally. In this way, the subject of fabric could be experienced from different perspectives.
In the 14th century, the use of fabric changes fundamentally. Especially in the growing cities like Lübeck, people show their prosperity with colorful clothing. We show the consumption and fashion of the Hanseatic period at media stations and original objects.
A piece of cloth is the result of numerous specialized work steps, from spinning to finishing the cloth. At various stations, visitors can get hands-on experience with the production and the products.
Even in the Middle Ages, economic relations were complex and the economic and social challenges were as great as they are today. The history of the Hanseatic League is therefore well suited to the consideration of textiles as a social theme. Finds of textile pieces and cloth seals throughout northern Europe illustrate the extent of the trade network.
Material needs accompany people through the ages. But how sustainable was the use of textiles during the Hanseatic era? And what are the possibilities concerning sustainabilty today? We show ecological and social consequences of our consumption, new alternatives for textile materials and pieces of fabric with history.
An important component of the exhibition is the Future Lab: textiles and fashion have not lost their importance as consumer objects and identity markers. However, they have currently become a symbol of waste and a sign of a throwaway society. How can we balance our need for textiles and our enjoyment of fashion with a fair, healthy world? Is globalization a danger or does it also offer opportunities and solutions? The tour through the future lab has many offerings in the area of multimedia and workshops. It provides information, tips and interaction around the topic »sustainable textile consumption behavior«.
As an education-oriented institution, we want to make it possible for everyone to experience the Hanse and its times – emotionally and at the same time scientifically.
For this purpose, we have created a series of educational materials that you can use via the link below:
Hello, my name is Locke. As a wool sheep, I know a thing or two about good fabric! When you discover me, I want to tell you something exciting. At the entrance you will get a booklet with which you can walk through the exhibition and solve tasks with me.
At some places in the museum you will find QR codes that provide more in-depth content. The link below will take you there.
Daily 10.00 – 18.00
(except December 24)
The last admission is one hour before closing, at 17.00.
Since this is a special exhibition at the European Hanse Museum Lübeck, you can get more information here.
Europäisches Hansemuseum
Lübeck gGmbH
An der Untertrave 1
23552 Lübeck
+49 451 . 80 90 99 0
info@hansemuseum.eu
We have compiled information on accessibility for your visit.
The magazine accompanying the exhibition provides insights into the themes of the exhibition and shows how textiles and their production routes have linked societies for centuries.
Softcover, 129 pages.
Available in our museum shop and in our online shop.
We thank all supporters, sponsoring institutes and cooperation partners.
European Hansemuseum
Lübeck gGmbH
An der Untertrave 1
D-23552 Lübeck
Contact
Phone: +49 451 . 80 90 99 0
Mail: info@hansemuseum.eu
Opening hours
Daily 10.00 – 18.00
(except December 24)
© 2022 European Hansemuseum Lübeck gGmbH
