Alexander Calder (1898–1976) has been closely associated with the Neue Nationalgalerie for decades, thanks to his masterpiece Têtes et Queue (1965). The outdoor sculpture was installed for the inauguration of Mies van der Rohe’s iconic work of architecture and is now returning to the museum terrace for its reopening.

The American modernist’s transformative mobiles, stabiles and standing mobiles range from the miniature to the monumental. This exhibition traces the unique relationship between size, scale and spatiality in Calder’s works, while juxtaposing his organic forms with the strict geometry of Mies van der Rohe’s building in a poetic dialogue.

The open, experimental approach of the installation – which was specifically conceived for the Neue Nationalgalerie’s glass hall – relies on the participation of visitors, who will be able to experience some of Calder’s works in motion. Some of Calder’s works are activated at varying times, up to four times daily.

Curators

The exhibition is curated by Joachim Jäger, Udo Kittelmann and Maike Steinkamp.

The exhibition is made possible by the Freunde der Nationalgalerie.

A special exhibition of the Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin