The Erich Mendelsohn Archive goes online. Personal correspondence between Erich and Luise Mendelsohn 1910-1953

21.03.2014
Kunstbibliothek

On 21 March 2014, the anniversary of Erich Mendelsohn's (1887-1953) birthday, the Kunstbibliothek andthe Getty Research Institute celebrated the launch of their digital project:the 'Erich Mendelsohn Archive' (EMA).The Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles, andthe Kunstbibliothek in Berlinown the world's largest museum collections on the life and work of Erich Mendelsohn.

Mendelsohn is regarded as one of the leading pioneers of modern architecture. He attained international standing outside of Germanywith projects in Palestine, Norway, Spain, England, the Soviet Union, and USA.

The key focus of the EMA project is the correspondence between Erich Mendelsohn and his wifeLuise. Spanning decades, these letters have been made available to the public for the first time through an online database at http://ema.smb.museum. The letters give a fascinating insight into the ideas and working methods of the architect, and also document events and personal fatesthat reflect the turmoil of the two World Wars in a myriad of ways.

The digital edition of Erich andLuise Mendelsohn's letters, datingfrom 1910 to 1953,was initiated as a transatlantic joint venture by the Kunstbibliothek - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin and the Getty Research Institute (GRI). Thanks to the kind support of the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen and Halbach Foundation,the projectwas successfully completed between2010 and 2014.