12 June 2008 – 5 October 2008

DRAWN IN SAND – UNREALISED VISIONS BY ALVAR AALTO

The first sketches for a project frequently illustrate more clearly than the actually realised building the basic design idea of an architect. In the early planning stage concepts and drawings often reflect the architectural vision in a pure form, regardless of any concessions or later necessary cutbacks. Preliminary drafts mirror both the ideal conception and the designing process, thus the sketch often brings us closer to the architect than the building itself.
Among the outstanding architects of the 20th century Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is one of the most significant draughtsmen. He once explained his passion for drawing as follows: »God created paper in order to draw architectural plans«. The sketches by the Finnish architect not only are of the highest artistic quality but also represent an essential part of his works, since more than half of his 500 projects were never realised.
By means of drawings, models and animations the exhibition »Drawn in Sand – Unrealised Visions by Alvar Aalto« shows a selection of projects of this famous architect, spanning a period of over 50 years. Looking at the sketches side by side, they clearly reveal how Aalto develops buildings and spaces from his drawings, consistently taking up and modifying ideas and motifs from earlier projects. These unrealised designs by Alvar Aalto are the graphic traces that can be found throughout his complete works without ever having left his drawing table. They provide a fascinating insight into a great architect’s way of thinking by means of a pencil. The exhibition will be shown in cooperation with the Alvar Aalto Museum in Helsinki.

Address

Pinakothek der Moderne
Kunstareal München Barer Strasse 40
80333 München
phone +49 89 23 80 53 60
http://www.pinakothek.de

Opening Hours

Daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., closed on Monday

Description of the Museum

With four major museums presenting art, works on paper, architecture and design under one roof, the Pinakothek der Moderne is one of the world’s greatest collections of 20th and 21st century art. The open and spacious building invites visitors to explore, to discover connections and gain new and surprising insights. Temporary exhibits and events from various cultural domains complete the supradisciplinary program.

Within 10 days
starting exhibitions
ending exhibitions