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From Opera to Legos

This Year's Cultural Calendar in Germany Has it All

Germany’s passion for the arts is legendary.  In even the smallest of towns, music and art are a part of everyday life—permeating the country with a rich cultural aura.   In 2002, visitors to Germany will discover a magnificent array of the arts displayed in gorgeous settings—creating a special magic unique to Germany.  Highlights include:

The 25th Dresden Music Festival (May 12 – June 9, 2002): Castles, palaces, churches, and public gardens set the stage for the 25th anniversary of this famous festival.  International and renowned local ensembles perform music of virtually every genre, in addition to performances of opera, dance and showing of films with live music.  The theme of this year’s festival is Yearning and Parting, and one of the highlights includes a concert by The Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Christoph von Dohnányi—the last European opportunity to see the conductor lead the orchestra he has nurtured over the last 20 years.   For more information, visit www.musikfestspiele.com or www.dresden-tourist.de.

Grand Opening of Legoland Germany, Gunzberg (May 17, 2002): Halfway between Munich and Stuttgart, near the Bavarian city of Ulm, the world’s largest Legoland is set to open this spring.  Lego blocks and 40 attractions, rides, playgrounds, pools, and Lego buildings add to the fun.  While considered a “theme park,” Legos are culturally so much more--having emerged as a timeless and classic form of artistic expression for kids of all ages.  To know more, visit http://www.lego.com/eng/legoland/germany

Exhibition Documenta11, Kassel  (June 8 – September 15, 2002):  The largest exhibit of contemporary art in the world takes place in Kassel, Germany every five years.  This year’s curator is Nigerian-born New Yorker Okwui Enwezor, who is also responsible for contemporary Art at Chicago’s Art Institute. He has prepared a series of platforms for the exhibit, including among others, Democracy Unrealized and Experiments with Truth: Transitional Justice and The Processes of Truth and Reconciliation.  For details, see www.documenta.de.  

Grand Opening of Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich (September 2002):  Munich’s latest museum opens to the public September, 2002, becoming a welcome addition to the city’s already rich cultural atmosphere.  Occupying 230,000 square feet, it will house the Pinakothek’s impressive Modern Art Collection, the Architecture Museum Collection and the Graphic Arts Collection.  For further information, visit www.museum-der-moderne.de/index.html or www.muenchen-tourist.de. 

Edited by Dave Shultz

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