Bereichsnavigation 2. Ebene
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Alte Nationalgalerie
Bereichsnavigation 2. Ebene
Stüler's overall proposal of a "sanctuary for art and science" (1841) centres on a temple-like building based on the sketches made by Friedrich Wilhelm IV in his own hand. From 1862 to 1865 Friedrich August Stüler developed these into the plans for the Nationalgalerie, which in turn were realized by Johann Heinrich Strack after Stüler's death.
The high base and nominating steps in front of its façade and in its interior, as well as its pediment's programmatic inscription "Der Deutschen Kunst" ("To German Art"), made the Nationalgalerie, which was opened in 1876, a monument to a new, patriotic consciousness. Later, around 1900, the subject matter of 19th century art opened up to French painting. This new, internationally focused concept brought with it incisive changes to the construction in the interior.
After much destruction wrought by World War II in 1944, it was already possible to reopen part of the Nationalgalerie in 1949, and visits to both levels became possible in 1950. When the Neue Nationalgalerie by Mies van der Rohe opened at Potsdamer Platz in 1968, the Nationalgalerie on the Museumsinsel became known as the "Alte" (Old) Nationalgalerie.
