Berlin's architecture is truly remarkable. The city contains countless magnificent structures from its volatile and glorious past. From the Kingdom of Prussia, to the Weimar Republic, Nazi control, the Soviet east and the current contemporary boom, you can't quite pinpoint any one prevailing style. We love when interesting spaces are reused and repurposed to create something fresh and innovative. The all new Feuerle Collection is just that. A private museum housing the works of collector and former dealer, Desire Feuerle, a WWII telecommunications bunker has been transformed by acclaimed architect John Pawson into something unique and very special.
Photo: Gilbert McCarragher via The Feuerle Collection
The collection juxtaposes 7th-13th century Kmer sculptures in stone, bronze, and wood as well as imperial Chinese furniture spanning from the Han to the Qing dynasty (200 BC—18th century) with contemporary works by the likes of Cristina Iglesias, Anish Kapoor, Zeng Fanzhi, and James Lee Byars. Feuerle has become known as a champion of mixing ancient artifacts with contemporary art and design, and his new museum reflects his commitment to furthering this cause. In fact, the aim of the space is to provoke a dialogue between works of different cultures and eras.
Below: Head of Avalokiteshvara Bayon, 12th-13th Century; Cristina Iglesias Detail of "Pozo V (Version 3)," 2013
A preview week of the museum took place earlier this month and from June 4th - September 18th, one room within the space will act as a primary venue for the 9th Berlin Biennale. After this, we can expect an official grand opening of both floors in October 2016. We look forward to seeing the finished product and we urge local residents to check this out. For more information please visit The Feuerle Collection.
-JRS
*Click to enlarge. Photos: Gilbert McCarragher via The Feuerle Collection