Exhibition series: Builders of Leszno
Since 2025, we have been systematically presenting the next chapters of the builder's history of Leszno. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the board exhibitions and publications that present the profiles of architects and entrepreneurs shaping the city space.
The second half of the nineteenth century was a period of dynamic changes in the architecture of Leszno. The economic development that took place after the railway line from Poznań to Wrocław was brought in 1856 translated into an intensification of construction traffic in the town. Baroque gable houses disappeared, giving way to taller tenement houses with pulpit roofs. Plots of land were combined at the Market Square and the main streets to erect spacious houses with multi-axial facades. This process intensified after 1870, when builders began to operate in Leszno, who designed new tenement houses, villas and farm buildings, while running large construction enterprises.
The first exhibition in the series was dedicated to Hermann Nerger – an outstanding builder working in the city. The second edition presented the achievements of Eduard Stein and Hans Stein – father and son, who were born in Leszno and completed most of their projects here. Currently, the third exhibition in the series is being presented, dedicated to the work of Hermann Müller, whose projects significantly influenced the development of the city at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Builders of Leszno - Hermann Müller
Born in Damerau near Elbląg, the man came to Leszno in 1887 and became permanently associated with this city. It is his activity that the latest board exhibition from the "Builders of Leszno" series is dedicated. On 14 boards, you can see the designs of the buildings created by Hermann Müller and their current appearance. The builder erected both residential houses and industrial buildings.
The exhibition, as well as the accompanying catalogue of selected projects, were prepared on the basis of construction documentation collected in the State Archives in Leszno. The curator of the exhibition is an art historian Małgorzata Gniazdowska. During the exhibition, there will also be walks in the footsteps of Hermann Müller in Leszno, allowing you to learn more about his achievements and influence on the architectural landscape of the city.
The second half of the nineteenth century was a period of dynamic changes in the architecture of Leszno. The economic development that took place after the railway line from Poznań to Wrocław was brought in 1856 translated into an intensification of construction traffic in the town. Baroque gable houses disappeared, giving way to taller tenement houses with pulpit roofs. Plots of land were combined at the Market Square and the main streets to erect spacious houses with multi-axial facades. This process intensified after 1870, when builders began to operate in Leszno, who designed new tenement houses, villas and farm buildings, while running large construction enterprises.
The first exhibition in the series was dedicated to Hermann Nerger – an outstanding builder working in the city. The second edition presented the achievements of Eduard Stein and Hans Stein – father and son, who were born in Leszno and completed most of their projects here. Currently, the third exhibition in the series is being presented, dedicated to the work of Hermann Müller, whose projects significantly influenced the development of the city at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Builders of Leszno - Hermann Müller
Born in Damerau near Elbląg, the man came to Leszno in 1887 and became permanently associated with this city. It is his activity that the latest board exhibition from the "Builders of Leszno" series is dedicated. On 14 boards, you can see the designs of the buildings created by Hermann Müller and their current appearance. The builder erected both residential houses and industrial buildings.
The exhibition, as well as the accompanying catalogue of selected projects, were prepared on the basis of construction documentation collected in the State Archives in Leszno. The curator of the exhibition is an art historian Małgorzata Gniazdowska. During the exhibition, there will also be walks in the footsteps of Hermann Müller in Leszno, allowing you to learn more about his achievements and influence on the architectural landscape of the city.
Exhibition information
Curator: Małgorzata Gniazdowska
Graphic design: Paulina Pracz
Place of exhibition: square in front of the Museum, 31 G. Narutowicza Street, Leszno
Contact: malgorzata.gniazdowska@muzeum.leszno.pl
Graphic design: Paulina Pracz
Place of exhibition: square in front of the Museum, 31 G. Narutowicza Street, Leszno
Contact: malgorzata.gniazdowska@muzeum.leszno.pl
Publication on sale
The exhibition is accompanied by publications. They are available in the Museum's stationary store and online.
The curator of the exhibition narrates
Małgorzata Gniazdowska reveals the secrets of the exhibition in the film.