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Artesanía Artística
Spanish Impressions

01.07.2016 to 30.10.2016
Kunstgewerbemuseum

In parallel with the central exhibition "El Siglo de Oro. Die Ära Velázquez" in the Gemäldegalerie, the Kunstgewerbemuseum is showing masterpieces of Spanish handicrafts. The focus is on precious lustre-ware with a new style of glazing influenced by Moorish traditions, richly-decorated furniture with Moorish mosaic inlays as elaborate as carpets, and exquisite gold and silver embroideries fashioned in the royal atelier of the Escorial. These are impressive examples of the magnificence of Spanish handicrafts in the “Golden Century".

Thus the collection in the Kunstgewerbemuseum includes fine examples of "golden ceramics", the golden lustre-ware of oriental Moorish origin, which flourished in Valencia in the 15th century and was exported to Italy and other European countries. Without the precedent of these whitely glazed and painted lustre-wares the majolica of the Italian renaissance would be unthinkable. Hence in this exhibition Spanish and Italian majolica are shown side by side. Likewise the abundance of Spanish-Moorish tiles in the collection underline Spain's role in conveying oriental traditions and patterns to Europe. In the 19th century the old Spanish-Moorish handicraft traditions experienced a renaissance. This revival is shown by several examples of historistic metalwork.

This presentation, integrated into the Kunstgewerbemuseum's permanent exhibition, is supplemented by a studio exhibition about the Spanish fashion designer Cristobál Balenciaga (1895-1972) in the fashion gallery. Sack dresses, balloon dresses, models in kimono-like dresses and grand robes inspired by the artists of his Spanish homeland, such as Velázquez or Goya, exemplify the pioneering designs of this "architect of fashion" who is especially celebrated for his perfect dressmaking. It is intended to use the Kunstgewerbemuseum's large inner courtyard, designed as a patio, for summer events.

Matthäikirchplatz
10785 Berlin

wheelchair accessible

U-Bahn: Potsdamer Platz
S-Bahn: Potsdamer Platz
Bus: Potsdamer Brücke, Potsdamer Platz Bhf / Voßstraße, Kulturforum, Philharmonie

Sun 11:00 - 18:00
Mon closed
Tue 10:00 - 18:00
Wed 10:00 - 18:00
Thu 10:00 - 18:00
Fri 10:00 - 18:00
Sat 11:00 - 18:00

Opening times on public holidays Opening Hours

Kunstgewerbemuseum Kulturforum
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