Mies's Event Space

Discusses the architectural and functional qualities of the Neue Nationalgalerie (NNG) in Berlin, designed by the architect Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969). The author outlines the differing critical responses to the building following its opening in 1968, argues that the criticism that the building was not ideally suited for the display of art works fails to take into account the architect's aim to challenge traditional methods of displaying art works, and studies van der Rohe's approach to creating exhibition spaces, with reference to his use of suspended panels, and his development of a multi-media and landscape-inclusive, method of exhibiting work. He comments on van der Rohe's collage of the Resor House (1939; illus.) incorporating work by Paul Klee, suggests that his collages made in the 1930s, and 1940s provide a critique of traditional art forms, and asserts that the painting 'Guernica' by Pablo Picasso supported his ideas relating to the display of wall-sized paintings. He notes that the NNG provided new ways of displaying art with reference to van der Rohe's use of wall panels, and the showing of installation, multimedia, and performance art, reports on recent attempts by artists to engage with van der Rohe's work with reference to an installation (1999-2000; illus.) by Ulrich Rückhriem, and the exhibition 'Content' (2003; illus.) by Rem Koolhaas and OMA, and compares van der Rohe's design for the NNG with the London project 'Fun Palace for Joan Littlewood' (1959-61; illus.) by Cedric Price. He concludes by arguing that the NNG space is not neutral in terms of its relationship with the works that are exhibited there, and considers the reasons why some works succeed, and others fail, when displayed there.