The Upper Austrian Provincial Exhibition “Work, Prosperity, Power” takes place in Steyr from 24 April until 7 November. Using the city as an example, it shows the development of our society. As a partner, the PANEUM addresses these issues in its exhibition under the title “Steyr’s Bakers | Vocation and Identity”. The Wunderkammer of Bread will be open to visitors again from 24 April 2021.

Bread, its history as a staple food and the bakery trade are central themes in the PANEUM – Wunderkammer of Bread. As a partner of the Provincial Exhibition 2021 in Steyr, the PANEUM takes the theme of “Work, Prosperity, Power” and focuses on “Steyr’s Bakers | Vocation and Identity” within its own exhibition. At its heart is the baker as a craftsman, member of the guild, head of the family and provider to the city. Behind the craft of baking lies tradition, which is maintained with devotion and passed on to the next generation. Whichever direction the city has developed over the centuries, the baker has developed with it: from the Middle Ages to modern times, from black bread bakers, confectioners, gingerbread bakers and pastry chefs to the businesses we know today.

 

Bakery history with local relevance

The focal point of the provincial exhibition begins on the ground floor of the Wunderkammer with a city map of Steyr, depicting bakeries and mills up to the 20th century. It is about the importance of their locations: why are they in certain places, where are there none and why? There are also stations marked on the map that can be discovered directly during a tour of the PANEUM. On the first floor, plenty of fascinating information from different subject areas of the Wunderkammer but with a local reference to Steyr awaits visitors: How was the bakers’ guild organised in the city? What was the guild cup for? Where were the Steyr gingerbread-makers based? What rules did the guild adhere to, and what penalties were there to fear? What are “bread sitters” and how did they affect bread sales in the city?

 

Bread, Hunger and Power

Much of the focus is on “Hunger and Power”, which is also most closely related to the theme of the provincial exhibition, “Work, Prosperity, Power”. Here, too, numerous interesting questions are dealt with: How did the eruption of the Indonesian volcano Tambora in 1815 influence bread prices in Steyr? What was “emergency bread” made of after World War II? What were bread stamps for and what did they look like? In addition, quotes on the stairs encourage one to think about the current coronavirus pandemic and its effects on our lives and the everyday lives of bakers. Did one of the quotes come from a newspaper of today or from 1948? All this and more awaits you in the PANEUM from 24 April 2021. In about 90 minutes, visitors can explore the exhibition individually with an audio guide, a booklet and a printout of the city map of Steyr. For adults, there is a reduced ticket for €5.00 during the course of the provincial exhibition, while families can enquire about reduced prices at reception.

 

Additional information

Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 16:00 (closed on public holidays) – prior to your visit, please find out about current Covid-19 measures, which might also affect general opening, online at www.paneum.at. There you can also find information about taking part in guided tours, when possible.