Every child knows Edvard Munch’s works – and not just because an emoji is based on his most famous work, “The Scream.” What few people know, however, is that Munch not only left his mark on his native Norway, he also had a decisive influence on the Berlin art scene at the turn of the century. In 1892, at the invitation of the “Verein Berliner Künstler,” the young artist came to the capital for the first time: but his solo exhibition led to a scandal. In Berlin, people were not ready for Munch’s colors and the immediacy of his scenes. The press and conservative painters were shocked, Munch’s works were called “smear works” and his exhibition had to close after a few days. The then 29-year-old was not dissuaded. On the contrary. The Berlinische Galerie now looks back on the history of Edvard Munch and Berlin with around 80 works.

In interplay with works by other artists who crossed Munch’s path in Berlin, an atmospheric picture of the late 19th century emerges. The show demonstrates how Munch became part of the city’s artistic scene: how he met writers, poets, and artists in the wine tavern “Zum schwarzen Ferkel” in Mitte and eventually worked as a member of the Berlin Secession. In contrast to works by Berlin colleagues such as Ludwig von Hofmann or Walter Leistikow, Munch’s views of nature still seem so progressive today, as if comparing different eras. Munch not only broke with the romanticized notion of picturesque fjords – his art pushed the boundaries of what was representable at the time. In this way, the Berlinische Galerie succeeds in conveying why the so-called “Munch Affair” did not go down in the history books as a debacle – but is celebrated to this day as part of the birth of modernism.

Text: Laura Storfner / Photos: Harry Schnitger / Credit: Edvard Munch & Berlinische Galerie

Berlinische Galerie, Alte Jakobstr.124–128, 10969 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map
Edvard Munch: Magic of the North until 22.01.2024. Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun 10–18h, Thu 10–20h (reduced entry from 17 Uhr)

@berlinischegalerie

When it comes to castles, you can’t miss Neuhardenberg Castle in the municipality of the same name in Brandenburg. If you go by car through the entrance gate, you will overlook the long pond, in which several shimmering orange or black spotted koi swim. After a two-minute walk, past the pond and the hotel, you can glimpse Neuhardenberg Castle. The neoclassical elements of the building guide your eye to the filigree inscription “Gratia Regis” (Thanks to the King) above the entrance. It’s a small leap into the past, indicating that the palace served as a gift from Prussian King Frederick William III to his state chancellor, Karl August von Hardenberg, in gratitude for his service. For a small admission fee, you can learn more about the history and heritage of the castle in the permanent exhibition. The palace parterre is open to the public on Sundays. In addition, there are regular events in the light-flooded Orangerie, in the Great Hall and in the Schinkel Church, as well as exhibitions. Just in time, you can stop by the free exhibition “Along the Oder” (until 29.10.2023). There, 14 students of the Ostkreuz School of Photography show in the Great Hall, in the small Orangerie and in the hotel foyer in 13 picture series the most diverse snapshots that the Oder region has to offer.

Starting with the documentation of shimmering pieces of tin in the flowing water to the everyday life of Ukrainian youths who have fled. In a free guided tour on 29.10. (16h), the photographers will talk about their work and their multifaceted experiences in the Oder region.Parallel to this, the exhibition “A glimpse of time – photographic portraits of old age and ageing” will run with works by Helga Paris, Cindy Sherman and Larry Sultan, among others. From the 1910s to the present, the exhibition presents international positions in photography using the example of the portrait. And if you want to do something good not only for your eyes but also for your ears during your visit, then you should definitely drop by – or rather listen to – the “Jeff Lorber Fusion Trio: Space-Time” concert (05.11.2023). If you want to stay longer than just one day at the castle complex, you can pause at Hotel Schloss Neuhardenberg and enjoy a fantastic view from the terrace of the adjacent castle park, designed in the English style with Peter Joseph Lenné’s assistance, over breakfast. Whether you attend an open-air concert, art exhibitions, lectures, performances, or just come to see the castle, it’s worth it!

Text: Mary Linh Tran / Photos: Simon Häuser & Fotokraftwerk

Schloss Neuhardenberg, Schinkelplatz 1-8, 15320 Neuhardenberg, map

Castle visits from April to October Sun 11–18h. Tickets for the “Jeff Lorber Fusion Trio: Space–Time” concert are available here.

@stiftungschlossneuhardenberg