The Oberschlesische Landesmuseum in Ratingen Hösel (Upper-Silesian Provincial Museum in Ratingen Hösel), existing since 1983, is the biggest Silesian museum in West Germany. It collects objects especially from those parts of Silesia that belong to the Wojewodships Opolskie and Slask, as well as to the Czech Republic today. The museum acts as an ambassador of Silesia by presenting the country’s art, culture and history. The cultural collaboration with Poland and the Czech Republic is extremly important to the institution. North Rhine-Westphalia, having patronized Ober-Silesia since 1964, also supports the museum.
The foundation Haus Oberschlesien, founded in 1970 as a foundation of privat right, is the initiator. The foundation and the museum are located in Ratingen. This town is conveniently situated in a conurbation in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The state capital Düsseldorf and Essen, the European Capital of Culture 2010, adjoin Ratingen. It is only a short distance to the international airport Düsseldorf. Visitors travelling by car are refered to the north-southbound motorway A3 at the interchange Breitscheid (via A52) located in a 4-kilometres distance.
The work of both institutions focuses on the Silesian landscape along the upper river Oder, the industrial region domineered by mining and heavy industry, as well as on the adjacent regions up to the High Ash Mountains and the Beskids.
Not only Upper-Silesia’s population, but also its industrial and agricultural regions are changing radically. Equipped with historical and actual knowledge the foundation and the museum may be consulted for further information on this topic. Their work is inspired by the idea of international understanding and friendly cross-border neighbourship. Being partners with the provincial government of North Rhine-Westphalia the foundation and the museum are cornerstones for a vivid relationship with the Polish Wojewodship Silesia.
Since July 1998 the Oberschlesische Landesmuseum presents its exhibitions in a new building designed by the Cologne architect W. von Lom & Partner. The new location of 2.000 sqm paves the way for new ways of presentation. The permanent exhibition may be found on the first floor. It gives a review of Upper-Silesia’s culture and history, divided into the three chapters “Upper-Silesia before the industrialization”, “Upper-Silesia and the industry”, and “Upper-Silesia in 20th century politics”. Presented are for example maps and historic documents as well as products of art and craft. Precious faiences, artistic iron casting and textiles are presented in the basement. In addition to the socio-industrial aspect the exhibition focuses on Upper-Silesia’s literary heritage. Here the life and the work of the renowned Romanticist Joseph von Eichendorff (1788–1857) find high appreciation.
Today the foundation and the Oberschlesische Landesmuseum use innovatively the facilities of cross-border collaboration with museums and other cultural institutions in Poland and the Czech Republic. Shared exhibitions with changing locations take place serially. Special importance is given to aspects of industrial culture and the conservation of cultural assets.
The museum offers guided tours, lectures, and programmes for school classes and interested groups. Children, young people as well as classes may take part in special activities often offered in the afternoon.
A library belongs to the foundation Haus Oberschlesien. There are precious editions of Silesian authors, complete publications of new Polish almanacs on Upper-Silesian cultural institutions, as well as further important material on the region’s culture and economy. The collection’s focus is not only on Silesia’s different provinces, but also on its adjacent Bohemian, Moravian, and Polish regions. Remains of men of letters (such as Heinz Piontek) and scientists (for example Alois M. Kosler and Robert Samulski) may be found in extensive repositories.
Since October 2006 structural changes have proceeded. In spring 2008 the Fachinformationszentrum Schlesien – Mähren – Böhmen (Information Centre Silesia – Moravia – Bohemia) is going to arise. This centre is meant to be the answer to a new demand for information. It allows the visitor not only to research into regional history, but also to prepare for excursions.