A still from Deep Gold by Julian Rosefeldt. Photograph courtesy of Julian Rosefeldt and Sammlung Wemhöner. Copyright from Julian Rosefeldt and VG Bild.
Famously, the German capital was declared as “poor, but sexy” by former mayor Klaus Wowereit, but the truth is that you probably won’t be seduced by every person walking down the street, and there is some pretty valuable art in the city. This Friday, several major collectors will open up their private displays to the public for Collection Night Berlin—a rare look into the city’s most exclusive and unique collections—but the exhibition sites themselves are also something to behold. From 1800s ballrooms to WWII-era telecommunications bunkers, these unusual and inventive gallery spaces are proving to be an event in their own right. Here are the most intriguing spaces we hope to catch a glimpse of this weekend.
Surrealism in a converted ball room—Sammlung Wemhöner
The artistic neighbourhood of Kreuzberg is not the first place you might expect to find a ballroom. And yet, tucked away near Hasenheide Park sits a majestic 1800s dance hall, brimming with grandeur—a fitting location to house an art collection as extensive and star-studded as Heiner Wemhöner’s. The German entrepreneur’s collection boasts work by Marina Abramovic, Vanessa Beecroft and Patrick Demarchelier, and will be formally opened for visitation in 2021. For one night this Friday, however, viewers can experience a large scale film-screening at the site. Julian Rosefeldt’s film Deep Gold (2014) will play, a sumptuous, surrealist, black and white feast.
Contemporary art in a lakeside villa—Rocca Stiftung
Photography by Kerstin Müller.
There’s something totally enticing about in-home-galleries. From the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, to Sir John Soane’s Museum in London, houses-turned-galleries are beloved across the world. Perhaps, it’s because they satisfy our innate sense of nosiness: as viewers we are able to peer into the private lives of their owners, as well as the art. Or else it’s their ability to straddle history and personality simultaneously by displaying art in an intimate setting. Either way, the news that renowned art historian Joëlle Romba and her husband Eric Romba are opening their private, turn of the century villa—complete with their dazzling collection of photorealistic paintings and contemporary art—has set tongues wagging. The collection will be on view, by appointment only, for one night only.
Conceptual art in a historic 1930s building—Wurlitzer Pied a Terre Collection
Sound Installation by Alicja Kwade. Photograph from Wurlitzer Pied a Terre Collection.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Friedrichstraße looms an austere building. Dotted with uniform windows and a cold grey exterior, the enormous and stony facade towers over the streets, casting a shadow. It comes as a surprise, therefore, to learn that inside this cold structure lies the Wurlitzer Pied A Terre Collection—a vibrant and joyful series of art works. Marked by a clash between old and new, Gudrun & Bernd Wurlitzer’s conceptual display is at odds with their historical site. Featuring work from Joseph Beuys, Jürgen Drescher and more, the exhibition will be open on Collection Night to the public.
Chinese art in a former WWII telecommunications bunker—The Feuerle Collection
Installation view of The Feuerle Collection. Photograph from The Feuerle Collection.
Housed in a converted bunker, the Boros Collection is perhaps Berlin’s most famous private collection, partly due to its unconventional setting. This Collection Night, however, we will be admiring the lesser known Feuerle Collection. Also, situated in a former WWII bunker, the collection is largely dedicated to Chinese art and furniture, stretching from the Han Dynasty to the early Qing Dynasty. Juxtaposed against a WWII setting, the luxurious pieces are taken out of context, forcing viewers to consider them in new and inspiring ways. Not to be missed.
A life’s work in a reimagined artist’s studio—Haubrok Foundation
Joyce Pensato, Big Ang takeover, 2018 (detail). Photograph courtesy of the Haubrok Foundation.
Following her death in June 2019, the Haubrok Foundation’s exhibition of Joyce Pensato’s work is being handled with care. Opening their doors for the first time, the Haubrok Foundation are seeking to capture the essence of Pensato by recreating the artist’s New York studio in the contemporary art space, BQ Galerie. Touching, chaotic and full of character, this immersive studio experience will pay homage to an artist who devoted her life to reimagining american icons.
Collection Night Berlin runs on 23 August. For more information visit the website here.