Thirty years ago, Germany’s parliament building ‘disappeared’ under silver fabric for two weeks. The work of art by Christo and Jeanne-Claude is now celebrated with a light installation.
Christo and Jeanne-Cla, two artists known for their large-scale environmental art projects, initiated the Reichstag wrapping project in 1980. The project, which was approved after years of public debate, involved covering the neo-Renaissance building in over 1100 square meters of silver fabric. The installation, which was visible from across Berlin, became an international sensation and is widely regarded as one of the most significant contemporary art projects of the late 20th century.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the installation, a new light installation has been created at the site. The project, which is part of a larger initiative to celebrate public art in Berlin, features a series of luminous sculptures that reflect the original silver fabric. The city’s cultural authorities have described the new installation as a tribute to the original artwork and a symbol of the city’s commitment to artistic innovation.