Bilderkeller | Führungen

In the organizer's words:

Picture cellar
Guided tours

In the middle of the political "thaw" period, the master students of the German Academy of Arts celebrate carnival in the coal cellar in 1957 and 1958. Wall paintings by Manfred Böttcher, Harald Metzkes, Ernst Schroeder and Horst Zickelbein can be viewed as a unique document of unofficial art in the GDR and part of the eventful history of the institution and building. Uninhibited scenes populate the walls of the cellar - this is where what could not have been shown in exhibitions ran riot. The pressure felt from outside and the internal processing of the post-war period caused the artists to move closer together and react to each other in their "black" pictures. As if in a burning glass, they reflect the artistic and political discussions in East and West: How is it that after 1989 criticism was based on similar arguments as back then? Are "abstract" and "figurative" ideological terms of the 20th century?

The media station features interviews with contemporary witnesses, including Fritz Cremer, Paul Dessau, Helene Weigel and Arnold Zweig, as audio documents of a campaign against the Academy. A publication in German and English provides an insight into the disputes of the time.

With murals by Manfred Böttcher, Harald Metzkes, Ernst Schroeder, Horst Zickelbein

Access to the picture cellar is only possible as part of a guided tour. Access not suitable for wheelchairs.

Special guided tours in English, for school classes and for blind and visually impaired visitors by appointment: kunstwelten@adk.de

/ Academy of Arts, Pariser Platz
/ Guided tours on Wednesdays at 5 pm
/ Maximum 14 visitors
/ In German language
/ Tickets 6 €/4 €

Photo: Akademie der Künste, picture cellar © Andreas FranzXaver Süß

Price information:

Free admission up to 18 years, reduced admission €4.00.