Excavation-Investigation-Presentation: Problems of Representing Past Cultures in the Example of the Mshatta Facade

The Mshatta Facade, one of the earliest Islamic architectural monuments exhibited on Museum Island in Berlin, has significantly advanced the study and representation of Islamic art. Its transportation to Berlin in 1904 led to the establishment of an Islamic Department within the museums, sparking extensive research into Islamic art through archaeological fieldwork. This facade, however, presents unique challenges in museum presentation due to its monumental scale and the need for compromises in interior space design. Current discussions on relocating the facade to the Pergamon Museum's north wing aim to address these issues while preserving its historical significance.

Enderlein, V., Meinecke, M., & Blower, J. (2010). Excavation-Investigation-Presentation: Problems of Representing Past Cultures in the Example of the Mshatta Facade. Art in Translation, 2(3), 309–372. https://doi.org/10.2752/175613110x12809366532307