2023-11-16 17:30:49
Düsseldorf – It was closed for years and was then renovated for around 50 million euros. Before the spectacular reopening of the Düsseldorf Kunstpalast, there is still one big question: What are these slippers all about?
The new exhibition shows 800 works of art and design objects from the Middle Ages to today in 49 halls on 4,500 square meters. The works were selected from the city museum’s approximately 130,000 objects in the collection.
Televisions, shopping carts and even an e-bike are on display
Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa
► Included: a copy of the world-famous “Mona Lisa”. But also a VW Beetle, a bicycle and a pair of conventional Birkenstock slippers… Why are they art?
Banal meets high art
“I actually can’t say that,” jokes Felix Krämer (52), general director of the Kunstpalast. “With us, completely banal objects like a Walkman, Birkenstocks or a Polaroid camera meet absolute high art. I think that’s what makes it so attractive. The term art has not been conclusively clarified. Our exhibition is also an excursion into design history.”
Shortly before the reopening, General Director Felix Krämer (52) extended his contract until 2034
Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa
In addition: Birkenstocks have a connection to the city of Düsseldorf. Karl Birkenstock presented the first version called “Madrid” at a trade fair in Düsseldorf in 1963.
“More than ever, the new art palace should be a place where everyone – regardless of age and art history background – can feel comfortable and discover new things,” says the boss, describing his vision for the house. He welcomes art connoisseurs as well as newcomers.
The works of art in the new exhibition also include a copy of the “Mona Lisa”
Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa
The app developed with partner ERGO opens up new perspectives and will add a digital dimension to the Kunstpalast visit in the future. Among other things, it provides background information on the works of art and shows how they were created. Even previously closed rooms are now accessible and special offers have been created for children.
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From November 21st, the renovated art palace with a brand new exhibition will be open to visitors again. Admission: not a single measly euro in the first week!
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