The construction of history reconstruction
For years "reconstruction" has been the subject of a heated debate. However,
reconstructions can be found since Antiquity, as throughout history buildings have
been destroyed and rebuilt if required, for a variety of reasons and with alternating
perceptions and definitions of "reconstruction". A look at history and a differentiated
view at the concepts can help to set the problems and arguments in a wider historical
context, thus relieving the current discussion of its emotional aspect.
As exposed witnesses of the past and in front of everyone’s eyes, buildings have always
played a particular part in the formation and imprint of a "cultural memory"
(Jan Assmann). With a deliberate recourse, the lost ‘place of remembrance’ is restored
as an important bearer of the most diverse meanings by means of a reconstruction.
Many reconstructions have never been debated, such as the re-erection of the
Campanile at St. Mark’s Square in Venice after its collapse in 1902, others have been
integrated into the history of the respective building and have long been historical
documents themselves.
By means of 85 representative case studies and 200 reconstructions - ranging from
Japan to Canada and from ancient Greece to the present day - the exhibition is
presenting and analysing the various motives in favour of reconstructing lost buildings.
The spectrum embraces reconstructions carried out for reasons of religious continuity
or due to national motives, as well as in response to aesthetic concepts or commercial
demands. Models, paintings, plans, photographs and animations provide a
comprehensive insight into a fascinating subject.
An extensive publication with 16 essays and a catalogue of renowned scholars
accompany the exhibition.
Supporting Program
Lecture: Professor Dr.-Ing. Winfried Nerdinger | Introductions: Construction and Reconstruction of historical continuity
THU 23.09.2010 | Ernst von Siemens-Auditorium in the Pinakothek der Moderne
Barer Str. 40 | 80333 Munich | 18.00 | free entrance
Lecture: Professor Dr. Aleida Assmann | Reconstruction – The second chance, or: Architecture from the archive
THU 21.10.2010 | Ernst von Siemens-Auditorium in the Pinakothek der Moderne
Barer Str. 40 | 80333 Munich | 18.00 | free entrance
Image: Campanile of San Marco in Venice, after its collapse 1902 © FROM: L'ILLUSTRAZIONE ITALIANA OF 20.7.1902
Press and PR
Katharina Horn - Architekturmuseum der TU München in the Pinakothek der Moderne Arcisstrasse 21 | 80333 Munich
T +49.(0)89.23805-383 | F +49.(0)89.23805-310 e-mail: horn@lrz.tum.de http://www.architekturmuseum.de
Pinakothek Museums’ Press Dept.:
Tine Nehler M.A. | Head of the Press Dept. T +49.(0)89.23805-253 | F +49.(0)89.23805-125 e-mail: presse@pinakothek.de
Press Preview: 21.07.2010, h 11.00
Opening: 21.07.2010, h 19.00
Alte Pinakothek
Barer Straße 29, München
Gallery Hours
Daily except Mon 10 - 18, Tue 10 - 20
Admission: 7 Euros, reduced 5 Euros
Sunday admission 1 Euro