Reichstag has always been linked to art. The glass dome and its architecture were a work of art; today, there is artwork on display inside the building.
You can view this artwork through exhibitions or guided tours.
Even the graffiti left by Soviet soldiers is a form of art that takes you back to a very historically significant time for mankind.
The pinnacle of all artwork at Reichstag, however, was the wrapped Reichstag.
Immerse yourself in art and history with a visit to the Pergamon Museum, followed by a historical walking tour through Berlin, including a glimpse into the Reichstag’s artistic heritage.
When it was decided in 1991 that the building would be repaired and reconstructed, Norman Foster, the architect tasked with this job, went ahead with the designing process.
Before the construction began in 1995, artists Christo Vladimirov Javacheff and his wife Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon carried out an art project called “Wrapped Reichstag, Project for Berlin”, known simply as “Wrapped Reichstag” today.
This project was funded by artists with the sale of drawings that included drawings depicting a wrapped Reichstag as well as works of the 1950s and 60s.
This was a type of environmental art that the artist couple had tried to get approved for a long time.
A German citizen’s group made a request for a wrapped Reichstag and was denied in 1978.
Three requests were denied across 24 years and six presidents, with the leaders perhaps considering the idea silly.
The president in 1989 was much more receptive to the idea and pushed for its approval, which was eventually granted in 1994.
Whatever the previous presidents might have thought of the idea, it generated tremendous interest, and the occasion of wrapped Reichstag by Christo and his wife almost had a festival-like feeling.
The work finally started in 1995, and it took 90 professional climbers and 120 workers to wrap the massive structure with 100,000 square meters of fabric.
The fabric was whitish-silver. It was held in place with a blue rope.
The art in progress attracted the entire nation’s attention as Christo and Jeanne Claude wrapped Reichstag.
Upon the completion of the artwork, millions of visitors from Germany and around the world came to see the astonishing site of Reichstag wrapped in plastic, fabric and other cloth materials.
The wrapped Reichstag was on display for two weeks before the cover was taken off and the construction began.
Artist Christo wrapping the Reichstag with his wife was an idea they had come up with long before it could become reality.
Even while the work was ongoing, they encountered problems like inclement weather and high winds, making it difficult for workers to balance and keep the fabric steady.
The cost for this art project at that time was estimated at $6 million, but it ended up costing $10 million when it was all said and done.
After uncovering, everything used in wrapping the building was recycled. The artwork attracted droves of people and sent a wave of jubilation through Berlin and all of Germany.
Today, you can also see a lot of permanent and rotating artwork inside the Reichstag building.
A guided tour is a great way to see what lies inside Reichstag.
A big assortment of artworks contributed by both German and foreign artists are present to be admired.
There is a collection of metal boxes in a corridor labeled with the names of each elected parliament member of the nation from 1919 to 1999, including Adolf Hitler, the leader of the Nazi party.
His name being there has been debated, but it has been decided to keep it there as he became chancellor of Germany through democratic means.
This reminds people that even if leaders come to power democratically, they might not necessarily respect or care about democratic processes.
Another artwork is the inscription “Der Bevölkerung” (“To the population”) by Hans Haacke.
American artist Jenny Holzer contributed an LED display board that shows famous speeches in the context of German history.
There are artworks in Reichstag from 28 famous artists, so be captivated by the beauty and undeniability of these works during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the wrapped Reichstag symbolize?
The wrapped Reichstag meaning can be understood in multiple ways because, like every other art, it is open to interpretation.
The wrapped Reichstag symbolized Germany as a united nation and the return of Berlin city that rose from its dark and haunting past and welcomed everyone.
Where was the wrapped Reichstag?
The building of Reichstag was wrapped in 100,000 square meters of fabric. This artwork was carried out in Berlin, Germany.
You can find out the exact location of Reichstag with the help of the link below.
Who wrapped the Reichstag in 1995?
Christo and Jeanne Claude wrapped Reichstag in their environment art project in 1995 with the help of 90 professional climbers and 120 workers.
The wrapped Reichstag attracted millions of people to the site and was on display for two weeks.
Featured Image: Theguardian.com