The Story of the Cheb Button at the Fichtelgebirgsmuseum Wunsiedel

Did you enjoy the exhibition about the Cheb button at Muzeum Cheb – or perhaps you missed it? In the summer of 2026, you'll have a new opportunity to explore an interesting chapter from the cultural history of the region. The Czech-German exhibition “Příběh chebského knoflíku / Die Geschichte vom Huasnoantoutara,” created in cooperation with Muzeum Cheb and Fichtelgebirgsmuseum Wunsiedel, will be on display in Wunsiedel from June 12 to November 1, 2026.

The exhibition tells the fascinating story of the Cheb button, whose history dates back to the 18th century. In seven thematic chapters, it traces its “life's journey” – from its beginnings in folk culture to changes in its significance and its use as a reminder of a lost homeland by displaced inhabitants of the Cheb region after World War II. The selection of exhibits, personal stories, and new interpretive approaches show how closely regional identity, connection to home, and collective memory are intertwined. The exhibition addresses a topic that historically connects Cheb and Wunsiedel. Fichtelgebirgsmuseum itself is located in the premises of a former hospital, founded by Sigmund Wanne, who also played a role in the history of the city of Cheb. A visit to the exhibition thus allows for a better understanding of these connections and can be combined with a tour of the city of Wunsiedel and a trip to the picturesque landscape of the Smrčiny mountains.

More about the current exhibition can be found on the website:

https://fichtelgebirgsmuseum.de/ …