Re-opening of Neue Nationalgalerie
Neue Nationalgalerie, 2021. Image credit: Simon Menges.
One of Mies’ last works, the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, re-opened on August 21, 2021, after a six-year rehabilitation by David Chipperfield Architects. The rehabilitation meticulously preserved Mies’ original design of this modern architecture landmark, while modernizing utilities and increasing its accessibility.
Mies was 82 years old when the Neue Nationagalerie first opened in September 1968. Even though he was too frail to attend the event, it served as a homecoming for him (he lived in Berlin thirty-years before leaving for Chicago).
The Neue Nationalgalerie was Dirk Lohan’s, Mies’ grandson, first construction management project. Lohan is an Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture alumnus, trustee emeritus, and Mies van der Rohe Society board member. Shortly after the reopening, Lohan and Chipperfield sat down for a conversation (moderated by Sorana Radulescu and held at St. Matthäus Church, Berlin, on on August 23, 2021) about the architectural importance and rehabilitation of the building. In the following excerpt, Lohan describes his experience working with his grandfather:
“This building plays an important role in my life in that I was there from day one and on the last day of the process of giving eternal life to this building. I learned a lot in the process. I grew close to my grandfather talking about the building and the various spaces and ideas and concepts. It is not only an important part of Mies’ work but also an important building in Berlin.”
Read More:
View the conversation here: THE ICON | 1968/2021 | A DIALOGUE – Dirk Lohan and David Chipperfield (filmed by Jovis).
Learn more about the reopening in ArchDaily and The New York Times.
Join us in advancing Mies’ legacy and become a member of the Mies van der Rohe Society or make a gift today!
