BERLIN.- The Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart in Berlin launched an innovative new series titled “Zeig doch mal!” (“Show me!”). This unique initiative invites the public to witness the intricate process of art restoration in real-time, providing an inside look at how museum professionals preserve and care for contemporary artworks. The series is set to run for a full year, showcasing the public restoration of key pieces by Bruce Nauman and Rachel Whiteread from the museum’s collection.

A Look Behind the Scenes

Under the auspices of the Nationalgalerie – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, “Show me!” offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the detailed processes and considerations that go into restoring modern and contemporary artworks. Beginning in November 2024, Bruce Nauman’s site-specific installation in the Rieckhallen will be the first piece to undergo public restoration. This piece will be followed by Rachel Whiteread’s sculptural work starting in January 2025. In the second half of 2025, the series will conclude with the restoration of a media art piece.

Throughout the year, expert-led tours and discussion sessions will allow visitors to delve into the conservation challenges that come with working on contemporary art. Topics will range from the preservation of industrial and everyday materials to understanding the historical media contexts embedded in the artworks. Visitors are also invited to engage directly with the conservation team during designated time slots, offering a unique learning experience and a chance to ask questions about the ongoing restoration efforts.

Restoration Highlights: Bruce Nauman and Rachel Whiteread

Bruce Nauman’s 1984/2010 piece, Room with My Soul Left Out, Room That Does Not Care, will be the focal point of the initial restoration phase. Installed in 2010 in a former industrial hall, this immersive work consists of four intersecting black corridors illuminated by dim light, guiding viewers through a hauntingly confined space that evokes feelings of isolation and unease. Due to its interactive nature, the piece has accumulated visible wear over the years. Restoration efforts will focus on reintegrating the work's original aesthetic by consolidating its structural elements and refining any areas of surface degradation.

Rachel Whiteread’s untitled 1991 sculpture, a rubber cast of a mattress, will follow in early 2025. This work, created during the economic recession of the early ‘90s, reflects the artist’s commentary on urban life and social inequality. The piece’s surface has dulled over time due to dust accumulation and wear from frequent exhibitions. With Whiteread’s guidance, conservators will employ a custom-developed cleaning method to revive the work’s pristine, minimalist appearance.

Special Events and Accessibility

To celebrate the launch, a guided tour through the temporary restoration studio in the Rieckhallen will be held on November 16, 2024, led by independent conservator Christiane von Pannwitz. This event is open to the public free of charge, with no prior registration required.

For those interested in following the complete restoration of Nauman’s work, additional program details for the second phase, scheduled from March to May 2025, will be posted online. Similarly, details for Whiteread’s restoration activities will be updated regularly. The public can look forward to witnessing each phase of the conservation process up close, making this an extraordinary learning experience for art enthusiasts and casual museum-goers alike.