Abbess wanted!

The Castle Museum on the Stiftsberg hill in the World Heritage town of Quedlinburg is launching a special participatory project: women who would like to portray historical abbesses of the secular convent are being sought for the new portrait gallery in the Blue Hall of the Castle Museum.

As there are no paintings of the abbesses prior to the 16th century, their portraits are to be reconstructed on the basis of traditional coins, seals and tombstones using photographs. A professional photo shoot will form the basis for this. Real-life models from the World Heritage city of Quedlinburg and the surrounding region are being sought for the photos. With the help of modern image processing, new portraits of the previously unportrayed abbesses will then be created.

Terms and conditions of participation:

• Age: 15 to 75 years
• Participation is free of charge.
• Clothing for the photo shoot: plain, neutral top
• Natural make-up
• Date: End of August 2025 (will be communicated individually)
• Location of the photo shoot: Reading room in the Quedlinburg City Archives (barrier-free)
• Application deadline: 15 July 2025

How to apply:

• Here via the form or
• sin writing at the Quedlinburg Family Centre

Please bring a portrait photo (e.g. passport photo) to the family centre and an addressed, stamped envelope for returning your photo.

The museum selects suitable actresses in collaboration with the agency in charge, ensuring that their age and appearance match the historical models as closely as possible.