Discovery journey into the past: Book premiere about Mies van der Rohe

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024 , it will be particularly exciting in the Mies van der Rohe Haus in Berlin! From 6:00 p.m. the highly expected book premiere will take place, in which the art historian aya soika presents her latest work. Together with the well-known Bauhaus expert Wolfgang Thöner , who for years led the renowned collections of the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, she will discuss the breathtaking revelations of her book. The evening is moderated by Ingolf Kern , the chairman of the Mies van der Rohe Haus. An event that you shouldn't miss!

The Mies van der Rohe Haus is known for his significant contributions to dealing with the artistic work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe during National Socialism. This book premiere sets a special accent because it focuses on the little-known Brussels project from 1934. A fascinating chapter in architectural history, which illuminates the shadows of the Nazi era and at the same time represents the artistic vision and the challenges of the architect.

focused attention to the Brussels project

In her book, Aya Soika devoted himself to the order that Mies van der Rohe received from the Ministry of People's Enlightenment and Propaganda: the planning of a grandiose exhibition hall for the world exhibition in 1935 in Brussels. With clear lines and a flat roof, the design was a tribute to the modern age of the 1920s. But the monumental size of this project was more than just an architectural language-it was an expression of the representation claim of the Nazi regime in international competition.

Soika has examined unpublished archive material and thus outlined Mies van der Rohe's scope for action in this critical era. Her book illuminates how the creative freedom of the architect was influenced by the prevailing political ideology and shows us a shocking picture of the entanglement of art and power.

The details of the book

The eleventh volume of the Mies van der Rohe Haus in the series is entitled "Mies van der Rohe under National Socialism. The Brussels Project, 1934" . Published by Ingolf Kern and Wita Noack, the book includes an impressive 288 pages with impressive 78 illustrations. Available in the soft cover under the ISBN 978–3-947045–33–4 for only 20 euros, it offers insights that are invaluable for architecture and historical lovers.