Photographs tell the story of the Outer Neustadt – Visit the exhibition!

Photographs tell the story of the Outer Neustadt – Visit the exhibition!

Soon it's time! The opening of the exhibition “starkes VIERTEL” in the Neustadt library is just around the corner. On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., art and history enthusiasts are invited to experience the fascinating photographs by Günter and Christine Starke. The opening will be moderated by the committed city councilor Ulla Wacker (Greens).

The works on display impressively document the development of the Outer Neustadt from the 1970s until after the fall of the Wall. This reveals the dramatic change in a district that was once in decline. While in the 1970s and 1980s there was a threat of demolition and dilapidated houses dominated the image, the photographs also show the creativity and tireless perseverance of the residents. These shots not only capture people's everyday lives, but also provide a sense of the community that has emerged in places such as backyards and streets.

Insight into the past

The fact that the Outer Neustadt is so lively today is due not least to the local trade and crafts that have helped to shape the district. The Starke siblings' photographs reflect the development of a neighborhood that was once characterized by difficult living conditions. The exhibition shows how, out of necessity, places of cohesion were established that still have a special character today.

The exhibition can be seen from November 3, 2025 to January 4, 2026 in the Neustadt Library, Königsbrücker Straße 26. Admission is free, providing the opportunity to appreciate the works of future generations of photographers.

The artists

A few words about the artists themselves: Günter Starke, born in Arnsdorf in 1944, has been photographing the Outer Neustadt since 1978 and has been working as a freelancer since 1984. He is a member of the Dresden Artists' Association and is involved in the Dresden Photo Forum. His sister, Christine Starke, was born in Dresden in 1951, studied at the TH Karl-Marx-Stadt and trained as a photographer in 1982 before working as a freelancer since 1985.

The responsibility of artists to capture memories of bygone eras through their art should not be underestimated. The term “art” itself, derived from the Middle Low German “kunst”, means more than just capturing moments; it encompasses knowledge, ability and skill, which is inevitably reflected in the work of the Starke siblings. The fact that art is always a mirror of society is also demonstrated by the various cognates of the term in other languages, which take its universal meaning into account.

Look forward to an exhibition that not only illuminates the past, but also makes a valuable contribution to the cultural identity of the Outer Neustadt. Visit the opening and be inspired by the art and history!