The gray concrete block on Kurfürstendamm, which today is home to a Karstadt, has erased the history of what was previously number 232. Over 100 years ago, it was one of the houses of the Berlin Secession – an art movement founded in 1898 with many famous members such Max Liebermann and Käthe Kollwitz, which stood against the conventional understanding of art promoted by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Käthe Kollwitz Museum of Berlin is a reminder of this movement, as currently four exhibition halls are hosting an installation called “Rediscovered! The Exhibition Venues of the Berlin Secession”. In the museum, you purchase an informative flyer alongside a map, and then take a physical walk through a fascinating period of Berlin’s art history. Most of the buildings have unfortunately not survived and what remains are mainly floor plans and photographs, yet it is enlightening to see how the city has changed, evolved and adapted around these places. Before the walk, it is also a good idea to visit the upper floors of the museum to reacquaint yourself with the impressive etchings and sculptures of Käthe Kollwitz; a reminder of the art which survived this period. (Text: Katharina Pencz)
Kathe Kollwitz Museum Berlin, Fasanenstr.24, 10719 Berlin-Charlottenburg; map
Mon-Sun 11-18h
Exhibition until 30.5.2016, 6€ entry
