Junk Exhibition

After 128 years, Chomutov will once again host the same event that writer Karl May once visited.
This year’s Gerümpel-Ausstellung (Junk Exhibition) will support the non-profit Parent Project z. s. from Droužkovice, helping families of children with muscular dystrophy.

What to expect

• Reimagined “household junk” – everyday objects turned into art with new names and stories

• Theatre Brambůrky – Perníkajda, Hansel and Gretel – a twisted fairy tale

• Martin Krsek, museum expert from Ústí nad Labem (and senator), with a witty lecture on the culture of junk

• Auction of Heroes – a playful auction of curious objects and even more curious characters

The Story

On Sunday, July 11, 1897, students of Chomutov Grammar School organized a unique charity event: a Junk Exhibition.
Local residents brought old, useless items that students creatively transformed, giving them new names and meanings.
A simple broom became “the bear-hunting rifle.” Everything was sold with humor, and the proceeds helped build a new Turnhalle – today’s sports hall.

The event might have faded into oblivion if it weren’t for Karl May, who visited, donated, and later mentioned the “Junk Exhibition” from Chomutov in a postcard to his friends in Hamburg.

From a local newspaper of the time – featuring a photograph of writer Karl May, taken by Chomutov grammar school students at the local shooting range, on the site where the Chomutov City Theatre stands today.

And today?

128 years later, we’re bringing it back.
The Junk Exhibition / Gerümpel-Ausstellung / Výstava Harampádí will turn the Kulisárna space in Chomutov into a lively marketplace where objects gain new meanings through art and improvised theatre.
Items displayed and sold during the event will be created by participants of the You May Help workshop.

🤲 Donate your junk!

Look around your home — what no longer serves you may get a second life.

📦 Collection until October 10, 2025
📍 Luca tisk, s.r.o., Ruská 83, Chomutov
🕘 Monday–Friday, 9:00–16:00

🎨 Your items will be transformed by artist Tereza Zemanová and her team.
They’ll gain new shapes, names, and stories — to be revealed on October 19 in Kulisárna.

💖 For a good cause

Just like in 1897, this exhibition has a charitable purpose.
Proceeds will go to Parent Project z. s., supporting families of children with muscular dystrophy.

👥 Organized by
Ženský spolek, z. s. (Chomutov)
in cooperation with the project Try Walking in May Shoes
as part of Chemnitz 2025 – European Capital of Culture

With support from Via Foundation and other partners.
This event is free of charge, but every contribution helps continue Czech–German–Canadian cultural collaboration.