The art project Skulpturenboulevard went down in Berlin history in 1987. That year, on the occasion of Berlin's 750th anniversary and on behalf of the Department of Culture of the Senate, Neuer Berliner Kunstverein brought into being the ambitious project to present a series of site-specific sculptures between Rathenauplatz and Wittenbergplatz. In light of the temporary exhibition of seven large sculptures in public space, a heated argument broke out – already during the three-week period of installation, the project encountered extensive resistance. A "citizens' initiative against modern art" was founded to stop the project, protesters took the streets, and according to a poll 76% of the residents were against the presentation of the sculptures. In particular, Wolf Vostell's Zwei Beton-Cadillacs in Form der Nackten Maja, which was conceived as an 'anti-monument' of the consumer and automobile society, caused heavy criticism. Although originally planned as temporary installations and despite all protests, three of the sculptures are still standing in their original spot to this day. These are, in addition to Vostell's work, Josef Erben's Pyramide and the sculpture Berlin by Brigitte and Martin Matschinsky-Denninghoff.

In a tour conceived exclusively for members of n.b.k., Barbara Straka, curator of the project at the time, walks with us to the visible and invisible traces of the Skulpturenboulevard and gives account on its explosive history and its current relevance for the urban landscape of Berlin.

In German

Participants: max. 15 pers.

Location: The meeting point will be announced after registration

The number of participants for the event is limited. Thus, we ask for a binding registration specifying your n.b.k. membership number. Further information on the event and the meeting point will be sent to you by email. If you want to sign up for an event or if you have any further questions, please send an email to: kunstvermittlung@nbk.org or call us: (+)49 30 280 70 20.