Publications
Architect Karl Schinkel and Hegel’s Lectures on Aesthetics Postscript to Douglas Crimp’s Article “The End of Art and the Origin of the Museum”
A key insight from this study challenges the prevailing narrative of Douglas Crimp’s 1987 thesis on the 'end of art' and the origins of the museum, particularly regarding the Altes Museum on Berlin's Museum Island. The research reveals that both architect Karl Schinkel and philosopher G.W.F. Hegel played pivotal roles in shaping the museum's conceptual foundations during the 1820s, aligning with Prussian educational reforms under Altenstein. Unlike Crimp’s focus on a material principle gap in art history, this study emphasizes Hegel’s lectures on aesthetics (winter semester 1820/1821), where he introduced a fourth stage of artistic progression—'Civil Baukunst'—to complement the traditional tripartite structure. It also explores the tension between Schinkel’s rationalist architectural approach and Hegel’s spiritual interpretation of beauty, which influenced construction technologies. The study uses selective commentary to recontextualize Crimp’s thesis within broader aesthetic debates of the era.
Berlin, la réinvention des images patrimoniales
Berlin's post-reunification urban transformation has successfully reimagined its historical and cultural landscape, particularly through the revitalization of iconic sites like Museumsinsel (Museum Island). This study reveals how the city strategically reinterpreted its Prussian heritage to project a modern, globally relevant identity while addressing both domestic and international political agendas. The research focuses on key monuments—such as the Reichstag, Grand Hotel at the Esplanade, and Potsdamer Platz—that were either destroyed or damaged during wartime but later became central to Berlin's commemorative, architectural, and urban projects from 1990 to 2020. By analyzing these efforts, the study demonstrates how a cohesive visual, architectural, and patrimonial narrative was constructed, positioning Berlin as a symbolic capital in the 21st century.
Postcolonial Provenance Research, Transcultural Cooperation, and Restitution Practices: Lessons Learnt from the Humboldt Forum
Postcolonial provenance research and restitution practices, as demonstrated by the Humboldt Forum on Museum Island in Berlin, reveal that restitution is not the conclusion but the initiation of a transformative process. This approach, involving transcultural cooperation with Indigenous communities and institutions from the Global South, fosters trust, participation, and mutual learning. The study highlights successful strategies for addressing colonial-era looted artworks through collaborative efforts, setting a precedent for redefining museum relations with non-European cultures. Key lessons emphasize the importance of ongoing dialogue and shared ownership in cultural heritage, offering a model for future restitution practices that bridge historical injustices and pave the way for equitable partnerships.
Samuel Beckett betrachtet zwei Männer, die den Mond betrachten
Samuel Beckett's 1936–1937 journey through Germany, documented in his posthumously discovered 'German Diaries,' offers a unique lens on the perception and preservation of art during a pivotal historical period. His extensive visits to museums, including the Kaiser-Friedrich-Museum (now part of Museum Island, Berlin), reveal a deep engagement with classical art amidst the rising tide of Nazi censorship, particularly the purging of 'degenerate art.' Beckett's meticulous observations, from Hamburg to Munich, highlight the stark contrast between his admiration for old masters and the contemporary political climate. Notably, his visit to Dresden's Zwinger and the replacement of religious greetings with 'Heil Hitler' in Regensburg underscore the era's cultural shifts. This account provides invaluable insights into an artist's perspective on art and history during a transformative period.
Berlin
Berlin's architectural evolution since the reopening of the Neues Museum in 2009 is documented through 30 key projects, highlighting significant urban development milestones such as the expansion of the Axel Springer building and the iconic Museumsinsel. The book provides a comprehensive overview of both prominent and lesser-known architectural achievements, offering insights into Berlin's transformation through interviews with leading figures in its architecture scene. This publication serves as an indispensable resource for understanding the interplay between architectural innovation and urban planning in modern Berlin.
Rezension von: Krohm, Hartmut, Riemenschneider auf der Museumsinsel
A detailed examination of the sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider, housed in Berlin's Museum Island, reveals their profound artistic and historical significance. The study, conducted through a thorough analysis of 175 works, highlights the masterful craftsmanship and cultural depth of these altdeutscher Bildhauerkunst pieces, offering new insights into their techniques, symbolism, and placement within the broader context of European sculpture. Published in 2006, this work serves as both a scholarly reference and an accessible exploration for enthusiasts, combining rigorous academic research with vivid visual documentation.
Working Through Colonial Collections
Ethnological museums, including those housing colonial collections, face ongoing challenges in reckoning with their colonial legacies. This study reveals how the Ethnological Museum in Berlin navigated substantial transformations during its transition to the Humboldt Forum, grappling with debates over German colonialism and its impact on museum practices. Through two years of ethnographic fieldwork, archival research, and oral histories, the research exposes the museum's embeddedness in colonial logics, highlighting how these manifest in everyday activities such as preservation, curation, and research. The findings offer insights into the laborious processes of confronting colonialism within museums, providing a case study for other ethnological and Western institutions to learn from.
James-Simon-Galerie, Berlin, Germany
Museum Island (Museumsinsel) in Berlin, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, stands as a pivotal example of museum architecture and urban integration. The Altes Museum, designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel between 1823 and 1830, redefined the role of museums in both architectural and cultural contexts. Its iconic colonnade, facing the Spreekanal, serves as a visual and conceptual link to Stüler's peristyle, which frames the Neues Museum and Alte Nationalgalerie. The transparency of the internal plaza challenges traditional notions of elevated cultural ascent, instead opening this space to public accessibility both visually and conceptually. This architectural innovation underscores Museumsinsel's significance as a cultural landmark.
Museum Island (Museumsinsel) Berlin
Museum Island (Museumsinsel) in Berlin stands as the most outstanding example of an Enlightenment-era art museum complex, showcasing exceptional architectural and historical significance. Designed by renowned Prussian architects between 1824 and 1930, its construction relied on Elbe Sandstone, a locally sourced material used since the 15th century for its durability and accessibility via the Spree River. A 1999 master plan ensured the preservation of these monuments while adapting them to modern museum standards, with key structures like the Old National Gallery and Bode Museum fully restored by 2006. This study highlights the island's dual role as a cultural landmark and a testament to sustainable heritage conservation, blending historical authenticity with contemporary functionality.
Streit um das Erbe: Der Diskurs des Neuen Museums Berlin
The New Museum on Berlin's Museum Island embodies a complex discourse surrounding the preservation and interpretation of its historical heritage, reflecting broader debates about identity and the balance between original restoration and adaptive reuse. The study reveals that while there is consensus on the building's cultural significance, deep disagreements persist over how to reconcile its war-damaged state with modern demands for accessibility and functionality. The inscription 'ARTEM NON ODIT NISI IGNARUS' (Art is not despised by the ignorant) serves as a symbolic focal point, illustrating how different stakeholders—conservationists, architects, and heritage advocates—appropriate it to justify their approaches. The analysis also highlights the museum's unique urban context, originally a 'städtebauliche Abseits' (architectural backwater), which influenced its design and continues to shape its interpretation. The research employs discourse analysis to dissect these tensions, revealing how historical narratives, architectural ideals, and contemporary needs intersect in the preservation of UNESCO-listed sites.
Ground freezing and excavation of the Museum Island metro station under a river in central Berlin – challenges and experiences
Ground freezing effectively stabilized the saturated sands beneath Berlin's Spree canal during the construction of Museum Island metro station, enabling safe sequential excavation without significant surface movement. The project utilized a novel horizontal directional drilling method to install freeze pipes from both sides of the future station, minimizing disruption to nearby ancient and modern structures. Extensive monitoring ensured stability during freezing and excavation phases, demonstrating the viability of this approach for complex urban underground projects.
The Universal Museum
Europe's colonial past, particularly the erasure of colonial violence from collective memory, perpetuates a racialized identity that conflicts with its current multiracial and multireligious composition. This study examines Berlin's Museum Island and the proposed Humboldt Forum as case studies, revealing how non-European collections are framed within Europe's cultural heritage in ways that contrast sharply with narratives surrounding refugees from the same regions. The research uses the 2015 refugee crisis as a focal point to explore these tensions, highlighting discrepancies in memory discourses and their implications for postunification Germany and Europe.
Absorption edge sensitive radiography and tomography of Egyptian Papyri
A groundbreaking method using absorption edge-sensitive radiography and tomography has successfully uncovered hidden texts in fragile, undocumented Egyptian papyri from Elephantine Island. The technique leverages X-ray fluorescence mapping to identify high-Z elements like iron, antimony, or lead in ink, followed by element-specific absorption imaging at synchrotron facilities (BAMline, BESSY II) or micro-CT systems. By comparing transmission data above and below the absorption edges of these elements, researchers distinguished writing from base material, even in carbon-based inks invisible to conventional X-rays. Complementary Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed lead's presence as lead carboxylate. This non-invasive approach promises to revolutionize the study of rolled or folded papyri without manual intervention.
Cosmopolitanizing Colonial Memories in Germany
Germany's engagement with its colonial past reflects a shift towards a cosmopolitan culture of remembrance, driven by factors such as its evolving self-image as an immigration society, debates surrounding the Humboldt Forum, and international discussions on cultural heritage rights. This study argues that Germany's current postcolonial dynamic is representative of broader European debates, particularly in ethnological museums. It highlights the significance of recent activism, such as the 'Kolonialismus im Kasten?' initiative, which challenges traditional museum narratives by providing alternative perspectives on colonial history. The research also examines the controversy surrounding the Humboldt Forum, questioning its Eurocentric approach and demanding a re-evaluation of ethnological collections acquired during colonialism. This shift represents a move away from national identity paradigms towards a more inclusive, postcolonial perspective that acknowledges global power imbalances.
Gründungsertüchtigungen/Neugründungen im historischen, sensitiven Gefüge des Pergamonmuseums auf der Museumsinsel in Berlin‐Mitte
The Pergamon Museum on Berlin's Museum Island, constructed between 1910 and 1936, faces significant foundation challenges after a century of use. A deep geologic sinkhole beneath its foundations, extending to approximately -12 meters NHN, necessitated extensive foundation reinforcement and new construction techniques. Traditional shallow foundations and water management systems proved insufficient to reach the stable bedrock at ~45 meters depth. The study highlights the critical role of real-time monitoring of vibrations and settlements during the South Wing's ongoing renovation, ensuring minimal impact on the museum's structural integrity while maintaining its operational functionality. This case underscores the complexities of preserving historical structures in sensitive geological conditions.
Neues Museum
The Neues Museum on Berlin's Museumsinsel exemplifies adaptive reuse of historic architecture, blending aesthetic coherence with functional evolution. Originally built between 1843 and 1855 to house ancient and classical art, its design reflected historicized styles aligned with educational goals. A 1920s renovation introduced neutral exhibition spaces by covering decorative elements, with conservation approaches varying—from strict scientific restoration to recreating original layouts or designing new areas based on structural needs. This case study highlights how heritage buildings can balance preservation with contemporary use while maintaining their historical character and pedagogical purpose.
Flussbad Berlin Re-Naturalization Project for the Spree River in the Museum Island
A re-naturalization project for the Spree River, centered around Berlin's Museum Island, demonstrates how urban regeneration can integrate ecological sustainability with historic preservation. The Flussbad Berlin initiative treats the river as a public space and resource, addressing contemporary challenges like environmental stewardship, community engagement, and public-private collaboration. By conceptualizing Berlin as a 'dialogic city,' the project fosters diverse interactions that promote sustainable development while revitalizing a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This approach offers a model for balancing urban renewal with ecological restoration in historic contexts.
No Museum is an Island
Museums, often conceptualized as isolated entities, are better understood through multi-sited ethnographic research that captures the nuanced workings of organizational life beyond their physical boundaries. This study introduces a novel methodology to avoid 'methodological containerism,' which treats museums as static containers without considering the dynamic processes, informal relations, and uncodified activities that define them. By analyzing organigrams from three sub-projects on Berlin's Museum Island—focusing on exhibition-making in the Museum of Islamic Art, the Ethnological Museum, and a new Humboldt Forum exhibition—the research demonstrates how organizational structures are fluidly 'done' or 'achieved.' This approach provides deeper insights into museum operations and broader implications for organization studies.
No Museum is an Island: Ethnography beyond Methodological Containerism
Museums, often conceptualized as isolated entities, are revealed to be dynamic and interconnected systems through innovative ethnographic research. This study challenges the notion of 'methodological containerism' by demonstrating that museums operate beyond their physical boundaries, with organizational life shaped by informal relations, uncodified activities, chance events, and feelings. Utilizing a multi-sited, multi-linked, multi-researcher ethnography on Berlin's Museum Island, the research highlights the importance of what occurs outside traditional 'containers' and how organization-ness is achieved. Through an analysis of organigrams in exhibition-making at the Museum of Islamic Art and the Ethnological Museum, the study provides insights into museum practices and broader organizational studies, emphasizing the discretion in defining containers and the complexity of organizational life.
Transhistoricism
A critical reassessment of the Altes Museum on Berlin's Museum Island reveals that its historical and political narratives have been systematically censored, obscuring its ties to power structures such as those related to politics, religion, military, and economics. The study argues for a more transparent approach—'transhistoricism'—that openly addresses the museum's complex, heterogeneous histories rather than perpetuating a homogenizing mythology of universality. This perspective challenges conventional museological practices by advocating for the acknowledgment of institutional instrumentalization, particularly in light of Museum Island's evolving role as a site of contested heritage, including the controversial 2019 reconstruction of the former royal palace.
Fünf Museen. Zehn Euro: UNESCO-Welterbetag am 5. Juni 2016 auf der Museumsinsel Berlin
On June 5, 2016, the Museumsinsel Berlin celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Day with a diverse program under the theme 'UNESCO – Welterbe verbindet,' highlighting the connection between Berlin's cultural heritage and endangered sites in the Near and Middle East. The five museums—Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Alte Nationalgalerie, Altes Museum, Bode-Museum, Neues Museum, and Pergamonmuseum—offered guided tours, lectures, and discussions, emphasizing their role in preserving global cultural heritage. Informational displays across the island further illustrated the link between Berlin's collections and worldwide UNESCO sites, underscoring the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in heritage conservation.
Remodelling shared heritage and collections access: The Museum Island constellation and Humboldt Forum project in Berlin
A critical gap in archaeological provenance research within public collections, particularly those originating from colonial contexts, has been highlighted. While significant attention has been given to the provenance of artworks looted during the Nazi era, systematic inquiries into archaeological objects remain largely overlooked. This study argues that such research is essential for fostering equality and transparency in international relations, as well as aligning with contemporary cultural theory. It outlines a political and institutional agenda to address this lacuna, emphasizing the need for comprehensive provenance studies in archaeological museums. The approach combines foreign and cultural policy considerations with theoretical perspectives from recent cultural theory.
Zur Bedeutung des Faktors Nachhaltigkeit für die Unternehmenskommunikation am Beispiel des Kuratoriums UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe Museumsinsel Berlin
A study on the Museumsinsel, Berlinreveals that while member companies of its Kuratorium value social engagement significantly, they rarely communicate their involvement externally. This discrepancy suggests potential for greater emphasis in internal corporate communication. The research, based on qualitative analysis of interviews with representatives from the Kuratorium and Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz, explores how sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are prioritized within these companies' engagement strategies.
Bullet hole constellations: Berlin's Neues Museum, a case study in cultural memory
A new approach to cultural memory, emphasizing its use and transformation over mere remembrance, is embodied in Berlin's Neues Museum. This study challenges conventional trauma-focused narratives by analyzing the museum's architectural and curatorial framing, which promotes fragmentary wholeness and long historical continuity. Unlike the Jewish Museum, which prioritizes traumatic memory, the Neues Museum facilitates civic engagement through a phenomenological approach to history. The research method involves case studies of three Berlin museums, examining their practices, narratives, and critical contexts. This perspective aligns with contemporary discourse on modernism and cultural memory studies, offering a tool for analyzing how societies appropriate and transform their past.
Les fleuves urbains, une opportunité ou une rupture en matière d’aménagement du territoire : une analyse comparative entre la Havel et la Spree à Berlin ainsi que la Tamise à Londres
Urban rivers present both opportunities and challenges for territorial planning, as demonstrated by comparative analyses of the Spree-Havel system in Berlin and the Thames in London. While these waterways once supported industrial activity and waste disposal, their transformation into cultural and residential hubs—such as Museumsinsel in Berlin and Docklands in London—highlights divergent urban development strategies. The study reveals that while such projects can revitalize former industrial zones with mixed-use spaces (residential, tertiary, green areas), they risk exacerbating gentrification, displacing long-term residents due to rising rents. The findings suggest that successful integration into existing urban fabric mitigates territorial fragmentation, but equitable access remains a critical concern for inclusive development.
Einleitung : für eine transnationale Geschichte der Museumsinsel
Museum Island (Museumsinsel), Berlin, stands as a unique global cultural hub with deep transnational significance, yet its international allure is often understated by local comparisons to the Louvre. While one-third of current visitors are foreigners, historical visitor data is scarce, leaving gaps in understanding cross-cultural engagement. The study employs qualitative analysis of notable figures—such as Mary Shelley, Guillaume Apollinaire, Samuel Beckett, and Charlie Chaplin—to illustrate the island's emotional and intellectual resonance worldwide. It challenges simplistic comparisons to Parisian institutions, emphasizing its distinct historical, aesthetic, and architectural identity. This approach reveals how Museum Island transcends national narratives, fostering a transnational dialogue that defies linear historical or collection-based parallels.
Kunstpolitik der Berliner Museen 1919-1959
Berlin's Museum Island emerges as a pivotal site of cultural and political negotiation, particularly during the late German Empire to post-war period. Timo Saalmann's study reveals how the State Museums' collections were entangled with national identity debates, reflecting broader societal shifts. The research highlights the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation's role in navigating Cold War dynamics, illustrating the complex interplay between art politics and state governance. By analyzing archival materials and historical records, Saalmann reconstructs a nuanced narrative of museum practices during a transformative era, offering new perspectives on the social significance of cultural institutions.
Metro Line U5 in Berlin – design challenges due to complex geotechnical conditions / U‐Bahnlinie U5 in Berlin – besondere Herausforderungen für die Planung aufgrund der komplexen geotechnischen Gegebenheiten
A 2.2 km section of Berlin's Metro Line U5, currently under construction to connect existing underground structures between Berliner Rotes Rathaus and Brandenburger Tor stations, presents significant geotechnical challenges due to complex subsurface conditions. The project involves constructing three new stations—Rotes Rathaus, Museumsinsel, and Unter den Linden—with the Museumsinsel station requiring ground freezing techniques for stability during excavation. This innovative approach addresses the unique geological and urban constraints of the site, including its proximity to the River Spree, the planned New Berliner Schloss, and the historic Unter den Linden street. The study highlights the necessity of advanced geotechnical solutions in dense urban environments, particularly where historical preservation and modern infrastructure intersect.
Museale Spezialisierung und Nationalisierung ab 1830
A successful reconstruction of the Neues Museum on Berlin's Museum Island, completed under David Chipperfield's guidance, serves as a model for balancing historical preservation with contemporary display. This achievement stems from an extensive research process that involved architects, curators, and conservators, leading to widespread acclaim. The publication, 'Museale Spezialisierung und Nationalisierung ab 1830,' compiles presentations from around the museum's reopening in 2009, offering new insights into its history, collections, architecture, and international significance within a European context.
Zur Repräsentation von Geschichte und Kultur des Alten Orients in großen europäischen Museen
European 'Museums of Civilization'—including the Louvre, British Museum, and Berlin's Museum Island—reflect enduring colonial-era narratives that frame ancient Near Eastern artifacts as part of a Eurocentric historical progression. While these institutions present diverse exhibition styles (e.g., aestheticized displays in the Louvre, historically contextualized narratives in the British Museum, or incoherent presentations in Berlin), they collectively perpetuate traditional, non-innovative representations rooted in 19th-century discourses on civilization, progress, and cultural hierarchy. The study identifies this tension between varied curatorial approaches and their shared failure to evolve beyond imperialist frameworks.
Zur Repräsentation von Geschichte und Kultur des Alten Orients in großeneuropäischen Museen: Die Analyse der Dauerausstellungen in den vorderasiatischen Museen im Louvre,British Museum und Pergamonmuseum
European museums, including the Louvre, British Museum, and Pergamonmuseum (Museum Island, Berlin), have historically represented ancient Near Eastern cultures through lenses shaped by imperialist ideologies. This study reveals how these institutions constructed narratives of civilization that often reflected colonial power dynamics, particularly in the 19th century. By analyzing permanent exhibitions, it highlights differences in museological approaches: the Louvre emphasized formal aesthetics, the British Museum adopted a historical-didactic style, while the Pergamonmuseum focused on associative cultural contexts. The research combines theoretical frameworks with detailed case studies, exposing how museum displays both preserve and reinterpret ancient histories within broader geopolitical narratives.
Statische Besonderheiten bei der Sanierung des Pergamonmuseums
A comprehensive renovation of the Pergamonmuseum, part of Berlin's UNESCO-listed Museum Island, is underway to modernize its infrastructure while preserving its historical integrity. The project involves extensive structural repairs and the construction of new annexes, ensuring the museum remains operational during transformations. Key challenges include balancing contemporary museological needs with stringent heritage conservation standards set by UNESCO. This adaptive reuse exemplifies how world-class cultural sites can evolve without compromising their authenticity, serving as a model for similar global preservation efforts.
Zum Weiterbau der U‐Bahnlinie U5 in Berlin‐Mitte
The extension of Berlin's U-Bahn line U5, initiated in March 2012, aims to bridge a critical gap in the city's public transportation network by connecting key destinations around Museumsinsel, Unter den Linden, and the government quarter with the central railway station. This project presents significant geological challenges due to the glacial subsoil conditions typical of Berlin's Urstromtal, characterized by poorly graded sands, zones of marly till, stones, and a high groundwater level. These conditions necessitate advanced planning and execution for construction pits and tunnel excavation, further complicated by the need to navigate around historical structures, including those on Museumsinsel and the Spree river, as well as ongoing projects like the Humboldtforum. The study highlights the intricate balance required between urban development, historical preservation, and engineering innovation in densely built environments.
Titelbild: Mauerwerk 6/2011
Awarded the German Architecture Prize 2011, the reconstruction of the Neues Museum on Berlin's Museumsinsel stands as a landmark achievement. Led by David Chipperfield Architects with Julian Harrap and overseen by the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation alongside the Federal Office for Building and Spatial Planning, this project exemplifies innovative restoration blending historical fidelity with contemporary design. The honor recognizes not only architectural excellence but also the meticulous preservation of cultural heritage within a dynamic urban context. This case study highlights the intersection of conservation challenges, modern engineering, and aesthetic innovation in safeguarding UNESCO-listed sites.
Excavation-Investigation-Presentation: Problems of Representing Past Cultures in the Example of the Mshatta Facade
The Mshatta Facade, one of the earliest Islamic architectural monuments exhibited on Museum Island in Berlin, has significantly advanced the study and representation of Islamic art. Its transportation to Berlin in 1904 led to the establishment of an Islamic Department within the museums, sparking extensive research into Islamic art through archaeological fieldwork. This facade, however, presents unique challenges in museum presentation due to its monumental scale and the need for compromises in interior space design. Current discussions on relocating the facade to the Pergamon Museum's north wing aim to address these issues while preserving its historical significance.
Fassaden aus historischen Handstrichziegeln mit Rezeptschlämme
A unique façade constructed with historical hand-strich bricks and a specially formulated elutriation mortar has demonstrated both architectural innovation and durability, earning second place in the 2008 ECOLA European Architecture Prize. The study, led by Bau-Ing. Thomas Bauer of Dreßler Bau GmbH, details the challenges and solutions associated with reusing historical bricks in modern construction, including sourcing, testing, cleaning, sorting, and mortaring techniques. It also introduces a novel handcrafted elutriation technique developed through extensive experimentation, which enhances both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. This research provides valuable insights for architects and builders aiming to incorporate historical materials into contemporary designs while ensuring longevity and technical performance.
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