“Is that art or a playground?” someone might ask, looking at the Kletterskulptur Sculpture. It’s a valid question.
The Kletterskulptur Sculpture stands as a testament to Dresden’s artistic spirit. It embodies the city’s blend of history and modernity.
The roots of Dresden’s art scene stretch back centuries. In 1560, the Dresden Kunstkammer was founded. August the Strong later established the “Galerie der antiquen und modernen Skulpturen”. This laid the groundwork for the city’s rich sculptural heritage.
Dresden became a hub for Baroque architecture and sculpture. Antiquities from Rome arrived in 1729. They were displayed in the Palais in the grand gardens. In 1786, statues and busts were exhibited at the Japanisches Palais. They then moved to today’s Albertinum in 1889.
The Skulpturensammlung, or Sculpture Collection, is a key part of Dresden’s art landscape. It resides in the Albertinum. The collection spans five millennia. It includes works from classical antiquity to the 21st century. You’ll find pieces from Polycletus to Giambologna and Permoser. Rodin and Lehmbruck are also represented.
Georg Treu directed the museum from 1882 to 1915. He fostered a close relationship with Auguste Rodin. In 1894, he purchased Rodin’s bronze “Mask of the Man with the Broken Nose”. The Dresden Skulpturensammlung was the first German museum to acquire a work by Rodin.
The Albertinum faced partial destruction in February 1945. However, most of the collection survived World War II. Nearly all original pieces were taken to the Soviet Union. They returned to Dresden in 1958.
Since 2010, the Skulpturensammlung and the Galerie Neue Meister have been united. They form one museum showcasing art from the Romantic period to the present. The antiquities found a new home in the Semperbau at the Zwinger in 2020.
The Skulpturensammlung’s exhibition begins with Auguste Rodin. He heralded modern sculpture. His influence extends to the contemporary era. The collection also highlights art from the GDR era. Artists like Wieland Förster, Werner Stötzer, and Helmut Heinze are featured.
The Klingersaal is devoted to the “Fin de Siècle”. This late 19th-century movement is illustrated through works by Arnold Böcklin, Max Klinger, Franz von Stuck, and Sascha Schneider. The Mosaiksaal focuses on morality. Sculptures from the Classicist period, particularly those by Ernst Rietschel, are showcased.
The Kletterskulptur Sculpture may seem like a modern addition. Yet, it stands on the shoulders of Dresden’s long artistic legacy. It invites interaction and play. It continues the city’s tradition of embracing diverse artistic expressions. It reflects the spirit of innovation.