What do George the Dragon Slayer, Saint Nicholas, and Lot’s wife—who was turned into a pillar of salt during the destruction of Sodom—have in common? Visitors will encounter them all in the anniversary exhibition “Lives, Miracles, and Legends” at the Recklinghausen Icon Museum, one of the world’s most important icon museums.
To mark its 70th anniversary, the museum is presenting a total of 42 Russian and Greek icons from the 17th to the 19th centuries through November 8, 2026. Most of the masterpieces on display come from renowned European private collections and are not normally accessible to the public. Together with 16 pieces from the museum’s own collection, they offer fascinating insights into the visual world of Orthodox art.
Stories About God and the World
The anniversary exhibition takes a special look at the stories behind the icons. In carefully curated pictorial cycles, each centered on a central saint, the exhibits vividly recount life stories, miracles, and legends. The scenes depict the characters’ courage, hope, temptation, and willingness to help others. With their clearly structured visual panels and accompanying texts, they are almost reminiscent of modern comics, captivating viewers even without prior theological knowledge.
How does one maintain hope in difficult times? How can one distinguish between good and evil? What do origin and social status mean? And what truly defines a human being? Alongside familiar motifs, visitors will also encounter unusual visual worlds: saints standing on columns, icons gliding across water, and monks riding horses with sharp claws. Those who look more closely will discover ever-new details, symbols, and surprising narratives.
A Golden Eye-Catcher
Located in the heart of Recklinghausen’s historic old town, the Icon Museum uniquely blends the past and present into a harmonious whole. It is housed in a former elementary school on Kirchplatz. Today, the neoclassical building is complemented by a striking, shimmering-gold addition. This creates a deliberate contrast to the historic architecture while also serving as a reminder of the precious works of art inside.
