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| Essen: Light Cocoon by Andre Heller at the RWE Park |
Germany is traditionally known as “the country of poets and philosophers,” as its history is rich with art and innovations. Famous painters, writers, inventors and architects have always called Germany home. Today, these visionaries are followed by the next generation of inventive artists.
Architecture
Germany is home to a wide variety of architectural styles. From Gothic cathedrals, Roman baths, medieval monasteries, baroque palaces, art nouveau villas to late 19th to early 20th century industrial buildings. The early modernist masterpieces of the Bauhaus Movement were born in Germany. Few other countries can boast the unparalleled architecture with such breathtaking beauty as Germany. UNESCO has preserved many of these structures and buildings for future generations by designating them World Heritage sites.
Today, new construction in Germany has taken on many forms. Historical centers are bathed in futuristic light, skylines are marked by prominent high-rises and industrial structures are transformed into foyers for the arts and culture. Internationally renowned architects bring their influences to brand-new city districts and giant sports arenas.
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| Dusseldorf: Frank O. Gehry Buildings and Rhine Tower |
Between the Baltic Sea and the Alps, majestic architecture from all eras scatters the landscape. Fairytale castles, cities from the Middle Ages, cathedrals that were built over centuries and charming well-preserved towns captivate visitors throughout the year.
Art
Art in Germany has always been shaped by regional, European and international influences. Well-known figures of the art tradition in Germany include the medieval painter Albrecht Dürer, or the German Romanticism artist Carl Spitzweg. German expressionism is held in high esteem all around the world. The early 20th century brought the expressionist pieces of Franz Marc, in addition to the urban images of Max Beckmann. In the 19th century, Germany played an important role in the modernity movement. Impressionists like Max Liebermann or Dadaist Max Ernst paved the way for experimental contemporary art, which was influenced by great innovators like Joseph Beuys and Gerhard Richter.
Berlin was formerly the leading center of expressionism, but today this role is shared with Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt. In Munich, the Pinakothek art galleries and the museums along the banks of the Main River in Frankfurt are always worth a visit by art lovers. Berlin’s Museum Island is one of many outstanding locations among many others to view collections of German art. In addition, visitors are drawn in to some of the world’s most famous and important art fairs including Art Cologne and the Art Forum in Berlin. Germany offers more than 5,000 art and exhibit houses, and there is something for everyone.
Design
Germany works hard to promote excellence in design and is the producer of many brands which are known worldwide, and whose aesthetics set an example for others. Automobiles, cameras, watches or porcelain, the value of German design lies in its visual appeal, its functionality and its high-quality workmanship. Prestigious competitions in Germany such as the Red.Dot award and the German Design Prize serve both to inspire and reward the very best of German design.
German design is well known and has a long tradition. In 1919, Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus, a world-famous school of design. It had its influence on not only art and architecture, but also graphic, interior and industrial design as well as typography. In Berlin, the Bauhaus Archive displays the work of the Bauhaus and its famous members including Oskar Schlemmer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
In 2010, Germany is celebrating the 300th anniversary of the porcelain factory in Meissen. The porcelain is now exported throughout the world, and features two blue crossed swords. A variety of exhibits will be shown throughout 2010 to highlight the history of porcelain manufacturing and design.
To experience modern and practical design, a visit to one of the many automobile makers in Germany is sure to please. Visitors can experience the history of automobile design and production throughout Germany, including Volkswagen’s Autostadt in Wolfsburg and Transparent Factory in Dresden, the Audi Forum in Ingolstadt, BMW World in Munich, Mercedes-Benz Factory and Museum in Stuttgart or the brand-new Porsche Museum, also in Stuttgart.
Fashion
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| Munich: Shop Window Displays on Marienplatz Square |
Fashion design in Germany is turning the world on its head, encouraging and inspiring young designers all over Europe. Germany is home to a great number of aspiring creative talents, and uniting all of Europe with a common theme. Many of the world’s top-notch designers are from Germany, including Karl Lagerfeld, Wolfgang Joop, Jil Sander and Hugo Boss. Many of the world’s most famous athletic brands also come from Germany, including Adidas and Puma. Visitors to Germany can experience the best of what German designers have to offer by strolling large department stores, such as the KaDeWe in Berlin, or by visiting smaller boutique shops along beautiful streets such as the Königsallee in Düsseldorf. Visitors can even take advantage of money-saving offers by visiting one of Germany’s designer outlets, such as the Wertheim Village outlet center.
For more information on how you can experience Creative Germany, visit www.germany.travel.