Early Modern Treasures from the Silesian Churches of Peace

1 October – 30 December 2026

Christoph Knappe, Misa chrzcielna, 1694 — Christoph Knappe (złotnik czynny w latach ca. 1673–1728 w Kowarach), Misa chrzcielna, 1694; zbiory: Kościół Pokoju w Jaworze

Johann Friedrich Wendrich, Krzyż ołtarzowy, 1711 — Johann Friedrich Wendrich (złotnik czynny w latach 1700–1742 w Jaworze), Krzyż ołtarzowy, 1711; zbiory: Kościół Pokoju w Świdnicy

Komplet naczyń liturgicznych do udzielania sakramentów poza świątynią, 1 ćw. XVIII w. — Johann Fischer st. (złotnik czynny w latach 1675–1719 w Świdnicy), Komplet naczyń liturgicznych do udzielania sakramentów poza świątynią, 1. ćw. XVIII w.; zbiory: Kościół Pokoju w Świdnicy

Georg Nawarra (złotnik czynny w latach 1737–1750 we Wrocławiu), Kielich komunijny, 1737; zbiory: Kościół Pokoju w Świdnicy

Johann Fischer st. (złotnik czynny w latach 1675–1719 w Świdnicy), Patena, 1715; zbiory: Kościół Pokoju w Świdnicy

Nieznany introligator śląski (świdnicki?; czynny na przełomie XVII i XVIII w.), Oprawa modlitewnika autorstwa pastora Caspara Neumanna wydanego w Świdnicy w 1685 r., przeł. XVII/XVIII w.; zbiory: Kościół Pokoju w Świdnicy

Fot. Magdalena Lorek

Curator of the exhibition: Dr. hab. Piotr Oszczanowski

Among the most valuable historical artistic monuments in Silesia are two well-preserved timber-framed structures, namely the Churches of Peace in Świdnica and in Jawor, dating from the mid-17th century and built under strict conditions imposed by the Peace of Westphalia (1648) which ended the Thirty Years’ War. Both were continuously embellished and furnished throughout the entire Baroque era, and their unmatched value and uniqueness was acknowledged by their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001.

The exceptional value of these churches stems from their unique architectural form, as well as their furnishings and equipment, including the relatively lesser known items of goldsmith art, in particular liturgical vessels.

The exhibition presents the existing artefacts, and also exhibits loaned especially for this occasion by Lutheran places of worship and Churches of Peace, and museum collections (the National Museums in Gdańsk and in Wrocław, and Muzeum Dawnego Kupiectwa in Świdnica).

The exhibition showcases works by prominent Silesian Baroque goldsmiths, such as Tobias Plackwitz, Georga Nawarra, Christoph Knappe, Johann Friedrich Bayer or Johann Friedrich Wendrich.