Streit um das Erbe: Der Diskurs des Neuen Museums Berlin

The New Museum on Berlin's Museum Island embodies a complex discourse surrounding the preservation and interpretation of its historical heritage, reflecting broader debates about identity and the balance between original restoration and adaptive reuse. The study reveals that while there is consensus on the building's cultural significance, deep disagreements persist over how to reconcile its war-damaged state with modern demands for accessibility and functionality. The inscription 'ARTEM NON ODIT NISI IGNARUS' (Art is not despised by the ignorant) serves as a symbolic focal point, illustrating how different stakeholders—conservationists, architects, and heritage advocates—appropriate it to justify their approaches. The analysis also highlights the museum's unique urban context, originally a 'städtebauliche Abseits' (architectural backwater), which influenced its design and continues to shape its interpretation. The research employs discourse analysis to dissect these tensions, revealing how historical narratives, architectural ideals, and contemporary needs intersect in the preservation of UNESCO-listed sites.

Kibel, J. (2021). 5. Streit um das Erbe: Der Diskurs des Neuen Museums Berlin. Hoffnung Auf Eine Bessere Vergangenheit, 123–230. https://doi.org/10.14361/9783839454299-006