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Architectural Icon by Mies van der Rohe Returns: The Neue Nationalgalerie to Reopen in 2021

14.12.2020
Neue Nationalgalerie

The tarpaulins covering Mies van der Rohe’s Nationalgalerie have been taken down. The keys are to be handed over on 29 April, which will be followed by several open days. The reopening is planned for August 2021 with an exhibition by Alexander Calder.

Completing the construction work on the upper exhibition hall alone required the installation of 1,600 square metres of new glass, a new covering was applied to 15,000 square metres of the building, and maintenance work was carried out on 500 of the steel structure’s welding joins. After being refurbished and restored in accordance with the building’s status as a historic monument, 800 ceiling lights were fitted with LEDs and reinstalled, along with 196 sections of the ceiling lattice and 2,500 square metres of Striegau granite panels.

On the terrace and in the sculpture garden, the use of honey locust trees and silver maples restores the garden’s original appearance. Work has also already begun on fitting out the interior of the building and getting it ready for the opening, and on the surrounding urban environment, including the footpaths.   

On the Completion of the Neue Nationalgalerie

The completely refurbished upper hall of the Neue Nationalgalerie with its crystalline form is once again visible. Joachim Jäger, Director of the Neue Nationalgalerie, exclaimed: “Finally! After all these years of refurbishment work the glass hall is once again flooded with light, as are the first completed sections of the lower floor. The new, crystal-clear panes of glass are particularly impressive, as is the flawless new paintwork on the steel roof and the general freshness exuded by the building.”

Hermann Parzinger, President of the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz, remarked: “It’s a beautiful sight at the end of this somewhat difficult year – a decisive milestone has been reached. I am so looking forward to being able to present the building to the public next year, completely refurbished in accordance with the plans of David Chipperfield Architects.”

Handover of the Keys and Reopening

The handover of the keys is set to take place on 29 April, which will be followed by a number of open days. In August 2021 the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie will reopen with an exhibition of works by Alexander Calder.