Beneath this temporary structure lies a portal to ancient Pergamon. This is the Pergamon Installation. It stands as a testament to human artistry and historical preservation. The Pergamon Museum itself is undergoing extensive renovations. The museum is expected to remain mostly closed until 2037 to 2043. But the spirit of Pergamon lives on right here.
This isn’t just a collection of artifacts. It’s a bridge through time. It connects us to a vibrant metropolis from 129 A.D. Imagine Pergamon in Asia Minor under Emperor Hadrian. Visualize the terraces of the Acropolis rising 300 meters high. Temples and a theater blend into the landscape near Turkey’s west coast.
The centerpiece of this installation is Yadegar Asisi’s breathtaking 360-degree panorama. This panorama is thirty meters high. It has a circumference of 104 meters. The artwork transports you back to antiquity. Artistic style merges with specialist knowledge. Original exhibits enhance the experience. You will experience antiquity visually, acoustically, and emotionally.
The panorama uses 35 textile strips. These strips are made of polyester. They create a total image area of 3100 square meters. This circular painting is more than just art. It’s an immersive environment. It envelops you in the sights and sounds of ancient Pergamon.
Listen closely. Can you hear the echoes of daily life? The installation incorporates a carpet of sound. It simulates the hustle and bustle of a thriving city. Watch carefully. The lighting installation mimics the alternation of day and night. This brings the panorama to life.
The Pergamon Installation features eighty original items from Berlin’s Museum of Greek and Roman Antiquities. These artifacts are staged among spatial, light, and moving image installations. The original museum exhibits are interwoven with the work of a contemporary artist. The Antikensammlung, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Germany, is the client of the installation.
Consider the logistics involved in creating such an experience. The architecture was done by Asisi, Berlin, Germany and spreeformat architekten, Berlin, Germany. Gerriets from Umkirch, Germany handled the production.
This temporary exhibition building stands opposite Berlin’s Museum Island. It sits between Kupfergraben and the S-Bahn line. Hermann Parzinger, President of the Foundation, wanted to keep the central themes of world cultural heritage present during the renovations.
The Pergamon Altar is a highlight. It is normally housed within the Pergamon Museum. This masterpiece of the Hellenistic Age dates back to the 2nd century BC. Its 113-metre long sculptural frieze depicts the struggle of the gods and the giants. It’s a powerful representation of ancient artistry.
The Market Gate of Miletus is another significant exhibit. It showcases architecture from Roman antiquity. These structures offer tangible connections to the past. The Pergamon Installation bridges the gap between past and present. It offers an engaging experience while the Pergamon Museum undergoes its extensive renovation.
So, as you stand here, remember that you’re not just looking at art. You’re stepping into history. You are experiencing the legacy of Pergamon. The Pergamon Installation ensures that this legacy remains vibrant. It stays accessible for generations to come.