München Lenbachhaus

-
27 July 2013


I was blessed to have my birthday again in Germany. Sunshine in vibrant München.  Ah ha, temperature was around 40C, my hottest birthday.  We were there to see the newly renovated Lenbachhaus, just completed in May 2013.  Eyes wide opened.   Apart from the Blue Rider exhibition, it also houses a rich collection of 19th century German paintings and After 1945 Art.


In 1929 the Städtische Galerie was established in the former residence of the artist Franz von Lenbach.  The director at time was ambitious to bring together Munich paintings and contemporary art as a big collection.  Unfortunately the development was thwarted during the Nazis period.  It suffered from damages and destruction.   Gradually, it recovered, refurbished.   In 1957 it received generous donation from Gabriele Münter and Johannes Eichner Foundation which major paintings of Blue Rider could be displayed. It held key exhibitions and drew visitors from many places.  In 2003 it started to renovate the complex by Foster + Partners architects.  Now a new façade with brass-colour metal together with the historical parts.  Amazingly done!

 

The garden is nicely enclosed by the orange historical buildings.  Nice sculptures stand admirable under the sun, witness the non-stop change of the place. Near the entrance are some modern art, a nice contrast.


Following are 19th century paintings.  First come the landscape, a few dotted with people, a glimpse of life in the past.  

 
 
 
  
Max Slevogt
 




 Another important part - post 1945 art!
 
 
 
 



Location: Luisenstraße 33, 80333 Munich, Germany

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kbal Spean

-
Image
Kbal Spean is a unique archaeological site situated 50km from the Siem Reap.   Religious stone cravings sit on the river banks and bed, 150m stretch of the Stung Kbal Spean River.     Kbal Spean is commonly known as the "Valley of a 1000 Lingas " or "The River of a Thousand Lingas". Lingas are phallic representations sacred to Brahmanism.   It is a symbol of fertility.   Hundreds of them are carved into the rock of the river.   Other carvings include gods such as Vishnu , Shiva , Brahma and animals. To appreciate the beautiful carvings in the nature, one has to climb a trek for around 30 minutes.   Exhausted but worthwhile. Reclining Vishnu is often the theme of carvings.   Others include Shiva and Uma mounted on the bull, Brahma on a lotus petal and still others which I can't figure out exactly. Animals, lingas, yoni dot here and there.            Downdream ...
Read more

Hong Kong Heritage Museum - The Hakkas and Fishing Origin

-
Image
15 June 2012 HK Heritage Museum - Hakka Women It has been more than 10 years that I haven't been to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum .  Today, a Picasso exhibition brought me back.  Hmm, a Spanish artist associating with the Chinese heritage.  It's a special event of the French May .  It drew a lot of people to the museum, though a bit remote.  People, family speaking different languages crowded at the venue.  Picasso 's paintings shown were across his different periods.  Many photos of him and friends were also shown. Hong Kong Heritage Museum is unique in providing the history of Hong Kong, featuring Hakka (Guest family) migration, as a fishing village, the traditional Cantonese opera as the integral parts of Hong Kong's heritage, history and culture. During the reign of Yongzheng and Qianlong of Qing Dynasty (18th century), people were encouraged to utilise wasteland for farming.  A big demographic shift of residen...
Read more

Marshal Zen Garden Beitou 北投少帥禪園

-
Image
Marshal Zen Garden was built during the Japanese-colonised period of the 1920's.  It was renowned for the hot spring and was used as the entertainment hub of the Japanese pilots during the end of the World War II. In the 1960's, it was used to confine Marshal Chang Xue-liang and his wife Zhao Di. We checked in in our hotel Double Inn and was driven there.  The environment is very soothing with a lot of green, flowers and typical Japanese set up. We first enjoyed our afternoon tea after travelling straight from Alishan to Chiayi to Taipei. You can visit the Zen Garden if you hold a booking of  the tour, hot spring or restaurant. It was very nice to enjoy the afternoon in its tea house  小六茶舖. It's cosy and the food was superb, good value for the money. NTD900 for two. Marshal Chang and his wife were detained at the Zen Garden for decades.  Though it was years ago, the exhibition of his room, photos and his life made me feel...
Read more