The Pirna Summer of Sculpture 2026 - In-Between
10.05. - 27.09.2026
Sculptures – Installations – Interventions
Every year, from May to September, an art exhibition is organised at Sonnenstein Castle high above the city of Pirna, which may very well be unique. The interplay between the colossal forms of the former fortress and the figurative art creates an alluring symbiosis of these seemingly contradictory elements. The exhibition is a collaboration between the City of Pirna and the Kultur- und Tourismusgesellschaft Pirna mbH (organisation for culture and tourism) under the patronage of the Mayor of Pirna, Tim Lochner, and the Saxon State Minister for Culture and Tourism, Barbara Klepsch.
In 2026, the exhibition curated by Christiane Stoebe, winner of the Pirna Cultural Prize, will take place under the motto "In-Between". The theme of “In-Between” provides a fascinating opportunity for reflection and dialogue on hidden states and transitions. It refers to a state marking the threshold between different forms of existence and perception. In a world that tends to categorise things clearly, 'In-between' invites us to explore the nuances and ambivalences of human existence. The exhibition brings together Czech and German artists of different generations, all of whom address the tensions and possibilities of the in-between in their work.
With works by: Eva Backofen (DE), Jeff Beer (DE), Emil Cimiotti (DE), Wieland Förster (DE), Sonja Edle von Hoeßle (DE), Katharina Gahlert (DE), Dorothee Haller (DE), Stanislav Kolíbal (CZ), Thomas Lucker (DE), Stefan Nestler (DE), Katja Neubert (DE), Magdaléna Roztočilová (CZ), Pavla Sceranková (CZ), Robert Schmidt-Matt (DE), Detlef Schweiger (DE), Ludmila Seefried-Matějková (CZ), Holger Stark (DE), Petr Šťastný (CZ).
The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue.
In cooperation with GALERIE Schöne Höhe, Pirna.
Special thanks to: Albertinum | Skulpturensammlung, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Robert Runták Collection, Pekelné sáně Collection, 8smička Endowment Fund as well as the private lenders and the artists who have loaned their work.
Exhibition Impressions
Opening hours and admission
Wednesdays to Sundays, holidays 1 pm to 5 pm
Adults €6,00 | reduced price €4,00 | Children and young people under 18: free
Main venues
Follow the B 172 into Pirna and take the “Landratsamt” exit of Sonnenstein roundabout.
Pedestrians can walk from the market following the sign “Malerweg/Festung Sonnenstein”.
By public transport: From the train/bus station Pirna with the bus line 241 | 246 | H/S to bus stop „Pirna Landratsamt“.
