My Berlin Moment – Art and Berlin’s Museums
Art in Berlin’s museums
I don’t know why this particular painting captivated me so much that I lost track of time. Perhaps it was the colours. Perhaps the perspective. But it was certainly also the very unique, almost idyllic view of such a notorious structure as the Berlin Wall.
Here, it stretches across the picture in a radiant yellow; the painting was created in the 1970s. Around it, Berlin lies in calm shades of blue and purple. Lights are on in some of the windows of the surrounding houses, whilst pale violet shadows fall across the façades. At the foot of the Wall, plants grow in lush green.
I close my eyes and let my impressions of the weekend pass before me. I see magnificent façades and fire-damaged walls. I see the wide Kudamm and narrow backyards. I see the banks of the Spree and elevated railway lines. I see the smooth and the rough, an apparent coexistence of opposites.
I think about the history of this city, which has grown together from so many different parts. And I think I can sense that feeling of lightness and freedom that has magnetically drawn people to Berlin, in the 1970s as it still does today. That individuality and the vibrant life that accompanied me throughout my visit.
When I open my eyes, the museum staff member reminds me that the museum is about to close. I glance at my watch, still lost in thought. And I know that I’ll be back. To Berlin, but perhaps also to my discovery in the museum.
Ready for your own Berlin moment?
You’ll find Rainer Feetings’ ‘Yellow Wall’ in the permanent exhibition at the Berlinische Galerie. Berlin’s approximately 170 museums invite you to discover your own favourite piece, where you can explore art, culture, history and science from ever-changing perspectives and in a wide variety of exhibition formats.
Whilst the Old Masters are on display at the Alte Nationalgalerie, you can experience modern artistic styles at the Neue Nationalgalerie. Contemporary art awaits you at the Hamburger Bahnhof or the Gropius Bau, and at art venues such as DARK MATTER, you’ll become part of the exhibition yourself through immersive experiences.
However diverse the museums may be, they all have one thing in common: they leave a lasting impression, offering new ideas, unfamiliar perspectives and a curious outlook on the world.
Our tip
Not every museum needs to be explored via the traditional guided tour. Let yourself drift through the galleries, and make a conscious effort to linger wherever you feel drawn to.