What's On at Europe's Museums
June 3, 2003
Charting the rise of the Habsburg dynasty
Art Museum, Vienna
The Art History Museum in Vienna is celebrating the reign of Emperor Ferdinand I (1503 – 1564) with a sumptuous show of art objects and valuable handmade artwork ranging from portraits, tapestries, prints, woodcuts and royal insignia. Considered one of the most significant rulers in Austrian history, Emperor Ferdinand is credited for uniting the kingdoms of Hungary and Bohemia with the Habsburg domains centered around the Alps and the Danube. The special exhibition entitled "Emperor Ferdinand I – The Rise of the Habsburg dynasty" traces the origins and expansion of the Habsburg empire. Over 450 exhibits, including suits of armor and paintings by Titian and Durer, document the development of art, science and politics during the Emperor’s rule.
Till August 31, 2003 – daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. , Thursdays till 9 p.m.
Art and Travel
Art Museum Luzern, Switzerland
Berlin artist Anton Henning is displaying his works for the first time in Switzerland in a solo exhibition at the Art Museum Luzern. Henning is best known in Switzerland for his "Lounges" – accessible spatial compositions made up of paintings, murals and furniture, as the museum describes it. The exhibition called "Quite beautiful paintings" highlights the artist’s use of motifs from everyday life and art. In addition Zurich-born artist Patricia Bucher, prizewinner of the annual show of Central Switzerland’s artists 2002, is also displaying in the museum in an exhibition called "Overseas". Bucher traveled for 29 days in a container ship from Hamburg to South America and back and captured the voyage on a video camera attached to the prow of the freighter. The result is an overwhelming impression of the mighty Atlantic.
Till July, 20, 2003 – Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. , Wednesday and Thursday till 8 p.m.
Sculptures exuding life
Art and Exhibition Hall Bonn, Germany
Turner-prize winning British artist and sculptor Tony Craggs is displaying 23 large sculptures at the rooftop exhibition hall of the Kunst und Ausstellungshalle in Bonn in an exhibition called "Tony Craggs – Signs of Life". The show takes stock of the artist’s 30-year love-affair with the art of making sculptures. Known for his fluid and accessible creations and his use of materials such as steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, bronze, glass, stone and wax, Craggs moved to Germany in 1977 and was nominated professor at the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf in 1988. The 23 large sculptures in Bonn embody Craggs’ search for a new metaphor in sculpture.
Till October 5, 2003 – Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. , Thursday to Sunday – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A Night in the Tropics
Art Museum Nuremberg, Germany
The Art Museum in Nuremberg is showing works by German artist Franz Ackermann under the enigmatic title, "A Night in the Tropics". The Berlin-based artist, who has widely exhibited in Europe and the United States is known for his versatile work exploring subjective experiences of travelling, globalization, mobility and tourism. Ackermann’s works combine the external reality of a location with the artist’s subjective feelings about the place. The exhibition includes photographs, architectural models, posters, watercolors and drawings marked by vibrant colors.
Till June 15, 2003 – Tuesday to Sunday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. , Wednesday – till 8 p.m.