Closed Due to Funding Cuts
Like in other sectors of society, the 1990s saw the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin confronted with the doctrines of efficiency and rationalisation. Things like audio-guides, today an indispensable component of a visit to the museum, were first introduced in this era – to begin with in the bigger institutions on the Museumsinsel. The reunification of the museums was accompanied by sweeping staff cuts. With the Otto-Nagel-Haus, a whole museum fell victim to “cost-cutting”. Opening in 1979, it had exhibited “revolutionary proletarian and antifascist art” from the holdings of the Nationalgalerie. In East Germany, it had been a popular destination for school excursions and workplace outings, but after reunification, the institution came to be seen as increasingly irrelevant, and was closed in 1994.
Postcards of the exterior and interior of the Otto Nagel Haus, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, 1987.
"Which exhibition on Museum Island do you remember most? Tell us your memories and show your photos!”
Participate now!Visitors to the exhibition "Positionen - Kunst der BRD" in 1986, which was organized by the "Zentrum für Kunstausstellungen der DDR" as a guest at the "Neue Berliner Galerie" in the Altes Museum on Museum Island.
Notice informing visitors about closed exhibition areas due to budget cuts, after 1989.