Sculpted in marble, the Dionysos statue here in the Altes Museum exudes a quiet power. The Dionysos, a Roman copy of a lost Greek original, stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with ancient gods. He leans on his staff, a symbol of his dominion over wine and agriculture. Notice the youthful portrayal of Dionysos. He is often depicted as a mature figure, but here he embodies a youthful energy. The statue is part of a larger group, featuring Dionysos with a young satyr, perhaps his cup-bearer Comus. The satyr wears a goat-skin cape and holds a shepherd’s crook, adding a touch of rustic charm to the scene. Originally, sixteen statues like Dionysos graced the main floor of the Rotunda. They were carefully chosen and placed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel himself. He envisioned the Rotunda as the spiritual heart of the museum. He wanted it to prepare visitors for their journey into the world of Classical Antiquities. The Rotunda, with its cupola and circular design, was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. It aimed to evoke the atmosphere of a temple’s inner sanctum, where precious treasures are kept. Over time, the Dionysos statue and its companions have witnessed the changing tides of history. They survived Napoleon’s plunder, returning to Berlin in 1815 after a stint in the Musée Napoléon. They endured the devastation of World War II, hidden away for protection. The statues were meticulously restored in the late 20th century. Now, they stand once more in the restored Rotunda, radiating their ancient magnificence. The Dionysos, a silent witness to centuries of history, invites you to contemplate the enduring power of art and the enduring allure of the ancient world.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in