In the Beginning was the Belt at the Municipal Museum Braunschweig: Experience origin, memory, and art

An artistic experience between provenance, memory, and colonial history

The new permanent exhibition In the Beginning was the Belt at the Municipal Museum Braunschweig offers a view into ethnological collections, souvenirs, and colonial trophies, placing the origin of the objects at its center. The house at Löwenwall connects the presentation with a clear museum stance on provenance research and the responsibility in dealing with colonial-laden collections. ([braunschweig.de](https://www.braunschweig.de/kultur/museen/staedtisches-museum/))

A space for viewing works and historical context

The exhibition takes visitors into a dynamic field between object history, collection history, and memory culture. Central to the exhibition is, among other things, the search for the patron belt of the OvaMbanderu leader Kahimemua Nguvauva from present-day Namibia, a milestone in the museum's engagement with colonial contexts. Thus, the exhibition becomes an aesthetic experience with ethical depth: it is not the exotic showcase piece that comes to the forefront, but rather the question of path, ownership, and meaning. ([braunschweig.die-region.de](https://braunschweig.die-region.de/veranstaltungen-detailseite/event/101140961/am-anfang-war-der-gurt-braunschweiger-ethnographica-souvenirs-koloniale-trophaeen/))

Museum education, dialogue, and cultural education

The Municipal Museum Braunschweig explicitly sees its ethnological collection as a place for mediation. The exhibition fits into the museum's program, which offers tours, events, and educational opportunities for different target groups. This context makes the visit particularly valuable for those interested in art and culture: here, not only observation takes place but also historical and societal contextualization. ([braunschweig.de](https://www.braunschweig.de/kultur/museen/staedtisches-museum/))

Barrier-free visit and generous opening hours

The exhibition is designated as a free-access permanent exhibition and can be visited on many dates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is barrier-free accessible, although there are currently restrictions in parts of the Old Town Hall due to the renewal of the elevator system. The central location in Braunschweig also speaks in favor of the site on Steintorwall. ([braunschweig.de](https://braunschweig.die-region.de/veranstaltungen-detailseite/event/101140961/am-anfang-war-der-gurt-braunschweiger-ethnographica-souvenirs-koloniale-trophaeen/))

Why the visit is worthwhile

In the Beginning was the Belt connects art history, ethnology, and colonial memory into a concentrated artistic experience that has lasting effects. Those interested in museum work, provenance research, and the aesthetic power of objects will find here an exhibition of high intellectual density. A visit is especially worthwhile for those who want to not only see culture but understand it. ([braunschweig.de](https://www.braunschweig.de/kultur/museen/staedtisches-museum/))

Official channels of the Municipal Museum Braunschweig:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staedtischesmuseumbraunschweig/
• Facebook: no official profile found
• YouTube: no official profile found
• Website: https://www.braunschweig.de/kultur/museen/staedtisches-museum/

Sources:

• City of Braunschweig - Municipal Museum Braunschweig
• The Region Braunschweig - In the Beginning was the Belt