The opening of this year's exhibition, "Real Shining Pieces - On the Value of the Seemingly Worthless," was originally planned for May. But things turned out quite differently. Consequently, the exhibits already submitted were forced to remain in their boxes, initially for an indefinite period. After weeks of uncertainty and the lockdown, the time has finally come: The exhibition has been open since Sunday, July 26.

Museum director Jacqueline Maltzahn-Redling had previously launched a call through the media to ask the public to participate and submit their creative upcycling products from the areas of everyday life, art and culture, in which waste was given new life and given a new shine.

"We want to continue the current discourse on the sustainable use of raw materials at Neuenbürg Castle," says Maltzahn-Redling. Therefore, consumers should also be actively involved in the exhibition, as extraordinary ideas often arise in private settings, the castle director knows from her own experience.

Shortly after the call for submissions, the castle team was already enjoying unusual lamps, toilet paper holders, and fruit bowls. Artists, designers, and students also submitted their works, which will now be part of the exhibition, along with other loans from museums featuring consumer goods from the post-war period and the Third World.

Sturdy and useful, the classic Euro pallet has been a hallmark of the pallet for decades. Originally intended for transporting bulky goods, in recent years it has – despite its rough exterior – found its way into German bedrooms. Whether as an armchair, flower stand, or even an entire house, this trendy wooden pallet has revolutionized the history of our interior design. Shiny patchwork shoppers made from scrap cans or aluminum pieces have also become an integral part of everyday culture. They've even found their way into Hollywood as a chic accessory.

Upcycling is the name given to this type of material recycling in which a product originally destined for the trash is redesigned and thus given a new function. Unlike recycling, in which the old product is mechanically dismantled into its components and pressed into new shapes, upcycling initiates a creative and individual design process.

Whether made from worn-out bicycle tires, polished bottle caps or discarded vinyl records, the range of upcycling products is large and the spectrum of original ideas almost limitless.

The creative sector, universities, and entire industries have not only set trends with their innovative ideas in recent years, but are also continuously working on new upcycling products in the areas of furniture, fashion, everyday culture, and art. These developments are also intended to be reflected in the exhibition, which is why start-ups and universities are also involved.