Our collections

The collection of the Zinngrube Ehrenfriedersdorf encompasses objects spanning the fields of the history of technology, social history, economic history, and art history, as well as mineralogy and geology. The collection items are being systematically inventoried and documented to increasingly high standards and made accessible for research purposes. The Ehrenfriedersdorf Tin Mine preserves the cultural heritage entrusted to its care through proper handling and measures for conservation and restoration.

The collection focuses on presenting the history of tin mining in Ehrenfriedersdorf and its unique characteristics, as well as the regional context of Saxon mining and its technical evolution during the second half of the 20th century. Furthermore, local geology and mineralogy — represented by an extensive array of specimens — form the core of a dedicated sub-collection. The regional character of the collection is of particular importance. The aim is to showcase over 800 years of development in mining and mining technologies.

The collection comprises approximately 4,500 objects distributed across four categories: the geological-mineralogical collection, mining, miscellaneous objects, and the library. The geological-mineralogical collection includes items from Ehrenfriedersdorf, the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge), and other regions. The mining section features objects from the Ehrenfriedersdorf mine, processing facilities, and the laboratory, as well as tools, mine lamps, and models. The miscellaneous objects category encompasses art objects, utilitarian items, equipment, various other pieces, and raw materials.

The library holdings consist of literature but also include documents, images, data storage media, and maps. The collection also houses items on (permanent) loan, such as those within the mineral collection. With its focus on showcasing Saxon vein-ore mining, the Ehrenfriedersdorf Tin Mine collection aligns with the overall concept of the Zweckverband Sächsisches Industriemuseum (Saxon Industrial Museum Association).

Thanks to early planning to convert the mine into a visitor attraction, combined with the tireless efforts of numerous former employees, volunteers, and supporters of the *Zinngrube* (Tin Mine), a vast array of artifacts spanning centuries of mining operations has been preserved. This ensures a high degree of authenticity for the majority of items in the collection.

A highlight of the collection is our mineralogical section, comprising over 2,000 mineral specimens, about half of which are currently on display in the museum. Initiated in the 1950s, this in-house collection is unique in its nature, scope, and composition; it reflects the diversity of the Sauberg deposit, where nearly 200 different minerals have been identified to date — making it one of the most mineral-rich deposits in the world.

Preserving and expanding our collections serves not only the purposes of research, education, and visitor entertainment at the Zinngrube Ehrenfriedersdorf, but also ensures that these functions are sustained in the long term. The long-term preservation of material heritage is the collection's primary mission. This task is particularly significant given that many of the items—especially the machinery—are maintained in working order and even demonstrated. Consequently, the preservation of the collection is ensured through appropriate conservation and restoration measures carried out by professionally trained staff.

In early 2021, the entire inventory database was migrated to the beecollect software, and the collection has been continuously cataloged using this system ever since. School and university groups can use their museum visit to deepen their understanding of the subject matter. Furthermore, the collection supports future research within the relevant fields. Other institutions, volunteers, and researchers are key partners in the expansion and preservation of the collection.