Berlin Restores Reichstag's Covering Again
Article Rewrite:
Reliving Christo's Summer's Night Magic: The Return of the Wrapped Reichstag
By Juliane Rohr
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Remember the magic of iconic, temporary art installations? They're back, and Berlin's Reichstag is the star. Grab your comfy shoes, because from Pentecost Monday, you can meander the streets once more, captivated by the spectacle of Christo's unique, wrapping mastery.
Christo is famous for his spectacular, fleeting artworks. It's the thrill of witnessing something extraordinary, only to have it vanish as quickly as it appeared. Think of buildings, bridges, or tree trunks swathed in impressive, oversized gifts. They've left millions around the globe spellbound. The concept, envisioned by Christo and his lifelong partner, Jeanne-Claude, reached its pinnacle in 1995 with the mesmerizing, silver-blue-wrapped Reichstag. This historical German building, reflecting the nation's tumultuous past, drew in five million viewers. Now, the Reichstag will showcase its sculptural charms once more thanks to a breathtaking light exhibition. The program begins on Pentecost Monday.
The strings are being pulled this time by Roland Specker and Peter Schwenkow. They were co-creators of the association "Berliners for the Reichstag" in the 1980s and have dreamt of recreating this enchanting project ever since. Schwenkow jokes, "I guess I'm a Berlin fan." Since 1984, he's been connected to the magical city through various concerts and events, and was delighted when Specker proposed they take on this project.
Perception Through Transformation
Christo and Jeanne-Claude believed that the beauty of their artwork lay in ephemeral spectacles. By hiding a beloved building like the Reichstag for a fleeting moment, they believed it could be seen more clearly. Their philosophy was simple: by obscuring familiar sights, new perspectives are revealed, and hidden aspects are accentuated.
As Christo and Jeanne-Claude would have marked their 90th birthdays on June 13, this seems a fitting time to recreate its magic. Specker and Schwenkow don't aim to recreate the iconic 1995 Christo Reichstag exactly, but they'll offer a tribute to the original, not a replica. They're beyond thrilled that the permit was established swiftly within three months, a challenging feat that took Christo and Jeanne-Claude over two decades to achieve.
Tenacious Persistence (or Let's Go)
Their dream of the wrapped Reichstag was first proposed in 1971, but it faced numerous obstacles along the way. Bureaucracy in Germany proved challenging, with the Reichstag slated for renovation to serve as the future parliamentary building. Christo seized the opportunity provided by the renovation's uncertain timeline, and infused his transformative art once more. On February 25, 1994, the German Bundestag voted in favor of the project with 292 votes, allowing the vision to finally come to life.
Schwenkow recalls the optimism that swept over him following the Budestag's approval, eagerly anticipating the "Wrapped Reichstag." He believes it became an emblem of a peaceful, prosperous Germany, freed from the bonds of division. This time around, Schwenkow hopes for something similar for the anniversary performance. The twelve-night light show is free, just like all of Christo's public installations.
Technology and Art Unite
The biggest challenge this time was ensuring that the advanced technology could capture the Delicate beauty and movement of the 1995 wrapping. The monumental fabric will be projected onto the Reichstag building from multiple platforms using 24 high-performance projectors. After a trial run, Schwenkow is optimistic, but every viewer can make their own decision as to whether the light projection is successful. The 20-minute loop incorporates images from the original wrapping, intented to resemble a captivating work of art, not a slideshow.
Enduring Passion
Christo labelled his work as a cooperative effort with Jeanne-Claude. The two met in Paris in the fall of 1958, where Christo, an artist by trade, encountered Jeanne-Claude, a flight attendant who shared his passion for art. That year, Christo started wrapping everyday objects like colored cans and stacks of newspapers in plastic or cloth, transforming them into intriguing sculptures. The couple first conceived the idea of wrapping public buildings in 1961.
Art* Innovative Light Display* Berlin* Celebrating a Lasting Legacy
Source: ntv.de
- Peter Schwenkow and Roland Specker also finance most of the illuminated Reichstag themselves, without utilizing any public funds.
- The original wrapping of the Reichstag in 1995 involved 100,000 square meters of reflective polypropylene fabric and nearly 10 miles of blue rope. It captivated millions of people, drawing them to Berlin, and served as a global symbol of unity.
- In 2025, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Wrapped Reichstag, a large-scale light projection was set up on the west façade of the Reichstag. Organized by Peter Schwenkow and Roland Specker, it showcased 24 synchronized projectors and lasted for 12 nights, mirroring the ambiance of the1995 installation.
The European Parliament, emotively touched by the captivating light display on the Wrapped Reichstag, acknowledges the unity and cultural transformation it symbolizes. As Berliners, Peter Schwenkow and Roland Specker strive to maintain the city's vibrant lifestyle and entertainment scene through their continued support for innovative artistic endeavors, ensuring Berlin remains a beacon of attraction for artists and tourists alike.
