3 compelling motivations to explore the Humboldt Forum
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Three captivating exhibitions are now open at the Humboldt Forum, making a visit even more enticing. This news piece offers an overview.
Exhibition 1: A Glimpse into Restoration
The initial room on the third floor showcases the restoration process, a key aspect of the Humboldt Forum's diverse, global approach. General Director Hartmut Dorgerloh (62) notes, "International collaboration on object restoration aligns with our program strategy."
A standout piece is a Qing Dynasty Chinese lacquer box with a mechanical figurine, once displayed for the amusement of Berlin's nobility. Art historian Valeska Dubar (63) reveals the box was removed during World War II by Russian soldiers, but later returned, damaged, following the fall of the Berlin Wall. Through thousands of hours of painstaking work, the box was restored to its former glory. A video presentation offers a near four-minute glimpse of the mechanical figurine.
Admission is free until June 1, 2026.
Exhibition 2: Perspective of an Indigenous Artist
The next room showcases the work of Feliciano Lana (83), a Brazilian indigenous artist who tragically passed away in 2020. Lana used interviews and paintings to critique the global expansion of colonialism and capitalism, providing a unique, personal perspective.
Lana's paintings portray the shared ancestry of whites and indigenous peoples, their expulsion, and their roles as soldiers, missionaries, and explorers.
Admission is free until June 1, 2026.
Exhibition 3: Contemporary Japanese Art
The third temporary exhibition at the Humboldt Forum centers around Takehito Koganezawa (51), a renowned contemporary Japanese artist. Based in Berlin from 1999 to 2017, Koganezawa has exhibited globally and has pieces in significant art collections worldwide.
Koganezawa's work focuses on the exploration of time and space, with the aim of making temporal flow tangible. One of his works, "Why We Build" (2016), features several sculptures made from unfired clay rotating within a video installation.
Admission is free until October 12, 2025.
The Humboldt Forum is a significant cultural institution in Berlin known for its vibrant exhibitions and events. Visitors can expect to explore diverse cultural heritage and contemporary art at the forum. For specific details about restoration projects or Takehito Koganezawa's work, it is recommended to contact the Humboldt Forum directly or visit their official website for updates.
As you explore the Humboldt Forum, take a moment to appreciate the home-and-garden facet of the A Glimpse into Restoration exhibition, where a Qing Dynasty Chinese lacquer box, restored to its original brilliance, stands as a testament to the precision and patience required in preserving our historical artifacts. In another corner of the Humboldt Forum, the home-and-garden theme resonates in the life and work of Feliciano Lana, a Brazilian indigenous artist, whose paintings reflect the struggle and resilience in the intertwined lives of indigenous peoples and settlers, offering a unique perspective on the impact of colonialism and capitalism.
