Polish contemporary art became a fixture in West German exhibitions in the late 1950s and 1960s. Fascination for the thaw culture in Poland, political motives, but also a general internationalization of the art world contributed to this. Long before diplomatic relations were established, networks were created across the Iron Curtain, in which various actors from culture, business, politics and civil society were involved. On the basis of extensive source research, the author reconstructs and analyzes the background, development and reception of the Exhibitions and classifies them in the context of contemporary history. The interweaving of culture and politics becomes just as clear as the momentum of the exhibition cooperation. One of the most interesting, but largely forgotten chapters in the history of Polish-West German relations is thus opened up for the first time.