new wall coverings for alte pinakothek

on september 13th, 2008, the new face of the alte pinakothek will be revealed to the veiwing public. over the last few months, three rooms have received new wall coverings, with progress continuing through the entire suite of the alte pinakothek’s upper floor. the new wall colors of lush green and red alternating to purple have historical roots which relate back to the style which was prevalent upon the first rooms built in the alte pinakothek. as far back as king ludwig I of bavaria and architect klenze the wall coverings of alternating red and green have signified the continuation of an age old tradition. from the late 16th century onwards, it was customary to present paintings of old masters against the backcloth of these colors. for many of europe’s leading art galleries this is still the case, and now alte pinakothek is reverting back to the traditions of its own history as well.

the chosen material (faille) for the wall coverings was woven and dyed in lyon, with its coarse grained structure customized especially for the institution. it replaces the velvet of grey and partly subdued colors which previously hung on the gallery walls. the new wall coverings bring a force of color to the rooms and also marks the quality and finish of the material.

installation view of the new lush green wall covering completed

workers re-hanging the paintings after the wall covering re-design

more alte pinakothek: http://www.pinakothek.de