This Christmas, 2018, the carol “Silent Night! Holy Night!” celebrates its 200th anniversary. To mark this occasion, the Salzburg Museum has organized the exhibition “Silent Night 200 – History. Message. Present.” The six verses of the carol serve as a common thread, guiding visitors through the last 200 years. Through historical audio recordings, installations, objects, documents, and two autographs, the exhibition offers a variety of perspectives on the carol, its creators, and its spread. The Ars Electronica Center complements the special exhibition with interactive media art.
The exhibition will take place from September 29, 2018, to February 3, 2019, at the Kunsthalle in the Salzburg Museum and is part of the provincial exhibition “200 Years of Silent Night! Holy Night!”. The city of Salzburg is one of seven “Silent Night” sites in the state of Salzburg: The author of the original poem, the clergyman Joseph Mohr, was born in Salzburg; he attended school and university here and was ordained as a priest. In its exhibition, the Salzburg Museum weaves together various overarching narrative perspectives and invites visitors to explore new ways of looking at the subject: Texts in simple language and contributions in sign language are part of the narrative style that reflects the message of “Silent Night! Holy Night!” as a unifying song of peace. The history of its creation and reception is embedded in the overarching theme of Christmas: For Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber have forever changed Christmas in many parts of the world with their song.
The exhibition culminates in the “Silent Room,” which—after the “loud” section—invites visitors to contemplate the exhibits in silence within an intimate atmosphere: The two autographs by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr transport visitors back to the time when the carol was written and offer a glimpse into the humble legacy of two men whose work has had a lasting impact on humanity.
Studio History
The “Studio History” art education space focuses on personal stories, celebrations around the world, and the significance of the world-famous song. The supporting program rounds out the diverse offerings: workshops for families and children have been designed under the theme “Silent Night – A Colorful Celebration.” Guided tours in German and English take place at 2 p.m. on all days the museum is open.
