4.1.3 Germany
Historic personalities’ residences get protection through various methods in Germany, such as functional replacement, partial patching, relics retaining, and integrated movement protection.For example, in 1996, the historic Emperor Wilhelm II’s Hall (Kaisersaal) in Potsdamer Platz of Berlin hindered the planning of the upcoming Sony Center.Therefore, the entire hall was translocated by 75 meters to today’s location.[12]Historic personalities’ residences attach great importance to educational function.In addition to regular exhibitions, many residences in Germany have established contacts with scholars or associations engaged in the study of these famous people’ lives and works, holding seminars and lectures in residences, as well as various workshops.On the websites of these famous historic residences, people can retrieve the history of the residence, see the display of the house inside and out, learn about the life story of the former owner, consider a digital version of the exhibits and learn about the related activities held by the managers of these residences.People can make appointments to participate in the activities through these websites.There are numerous famous historic personalities’ residences in Germany such as: Karl Marx House, Engels House, Goethe House, Schiller House, Heine House, Dürer House, Liszt House, Bach Museum, Master Houses in Dessau Bauhaus.Famous painter Albrecht Dürer House in Nuremberg is a unique place to Witness of Art Life in the Renaissance.
Figure 4-7.Dürer’s Residence in Nuremberg
Born in Nuremberg in 1471, Dürer was one of the greatest German painters during the Renaissance, known for his meticulous and realistic painting style.He is a prolific painter who has created more than 1,000 works in his 57-year life.[13]The former residence of Dürer was located near the thousand-year Nuremberg wall.The house was built in 1420.Dürer bought it in 1509, spending 20 years here until his death in 1528.The house is a single-family building with four stories, which lower h alf were constructed with sandstone material, and the upper two floors the traditional German fachwerk structure (Fig.4-7).[14]During the Second World War, the corner of the right wall was destroyed.After restoration, it recovered the original appearance.(https://www.daowen.com)
Figure 4-8.Dürer’s Working Scenes
The interior space consists of the exhibition room, studio and living room.There is also a collection room which contains many of his works.The largest room in the whole house is on the second floor.It is the painting and drawing studio of Dürer.The painting tools are placed according to his custom.The top-floor room can see the engraving tools of that time and the manufacturing process of the etchings (Fig.4-8).There are some artistic techniques displayed for visitors to try, which is also a commemorative way to learn more about this admirable painter.In the screening room, visitors can enter the world of Dürer’s work in a new way with the “multi-visual exhibition”.
In Nuremberg, many places are named after Dürer.The Dürer monument stands on Dürer Square.A huge caricature of bunny lying on stone, stands as a statue, which pays tribute to Dürer’s work Young Hare.