Across the entire estate grounds, sculptures can be discovered, and numerous events and projects are dedicated to art. A central role is played by the Gustav Seitz Museum with its changing exhibitions.
Public art
Across the entire estate grounds, visitors can discover numerous artworks. Some of these were created by Gustav Seitz, while others emerged during sculpture plein-air workshops. (Click on the map to enlarge)
Gustav Seitz Museum
In the former wash house of the estate complex is the Gustav Seitz Museum. It presents works by the artist in changing exhibitions, complemented by works by outstanding figurative sculptors of the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum is run by the Gustav Seitz Foundation, which has been researching and managing Gustav Seitz’s estate since 1989.
German-Polish sculpture plein air workshops
Since 2012, Schloss Trebnitz—initially independently and later in cooperation with the Gustav Seitz Museum—has been organising German-Polish sculpture plein air workshops. At the centre of these artistic residencies is the exchange between professional artists from both countries, who work together on site, inspire one another, and contribute their different perspectives to the creative process.
The plein airs offer not only space for focused artistic work, but also opportunities for encounter and dialogue with the public, for example through studio talks or presentations of the works in progress. Some of the sculptures created in this context can still be seen today on the campus of Schloss Trebnitz.
Antiquity – model and inspiration? (2021)
As part of the German-Polish plein air workshop for figurative sculpture, 11 artists from Poland and Germany worked outdoors in Trebnitz for two weeks. The resulting works were subsequently presented in an exhibition accompanied by a bilingual catalogue. The Gustav Seitz Prize was awarded to Norbert Delman for his work “Totem of Medusa”.
Figurative sculpture (2019)
In the figurative sculpture plein air workshop, artist Martyna Pająk (Poznań) was awarded the Gustav Seitz Prize. Her work “Stele” was created from an oak trunk from the Trebnitz Castle Park and directly connects material, place, and sculpture.
Torso – Intentionally unfinished (2016)
Over two weeks, international artists worked on the theme “Torso.” At the same time, works by Gustav Seitz were presented, creating a direct dialogue between contemporary and historical sculpture. The Gustav Seitz Prize was awarded to Ralf Ehmann for his work “Becoming in Decay” (limestone, 150 cm).
Man – Who is afraid of figurative sculpture (2014)
More than 100 applications were submitted for this plein air workshop on the human figure. In cooperation with the Gustav Seitz Foundation, the Gustav Seitz Prize was awarded for the first time. The prize went to Julia Schleicher for her work “Animalicus” (poplar wood, 180 cm). The exhibition, titled “Who is afraid of figurative sculpture?”, showcased the diversity of contemporary figurative positions.
East Railway (2012)
As part of the restoration of the Old Smithy, an interdisciplinary art project on the theme “East Railway” was created. Eight artists worked with media such as photography, painting, sculpture, design, and performance. Creative workshops with German and Polish young people accompanied the project – making art directly part of an educational process.
Art for education and encounter
Art opens spaces for exchange and shared learning across language and national borders. It makes historical contexts tangible, encourages shifts in perspective, and strengthens mutual understanding. Together with the Gustav Seitz Museum, Schloss Trebnitz realises projects in cultural and artistic education, particularly aimed at young people from Germany and Poland.
Gustav Seitz. Life – History – Work (2019)
German and Polish students engaged intensively with the biography of the sculptor Gustav Seitz. They examined not only his artistic development, but also the historical circumstances that shaped his work. The aim of the project was to develop an understanding of artistic freedom within the tension between political and social conditions, while also gaining practical insights into museum work.
Youth project “Oderbruch – Art and Cycling!” (2010)
In this cross-border project, young people from Germany and Poland worked together with artists to create their own artworks. These were installed along regional cycling and walking routes in the Oderbruch region, making art in public space directly accessible and tangible. In this way, the landscape itself became an exhibition space, and art entered everyday life—inviting encounter, movement, and engagement.