Berlin was always an avant-garde stronghold. Very early the trends of the city attracted international artists. "Die Brücke", one of the most progressive artist schools of expressionism boomed here as of 1911. Painters like Max Pechstein, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Karl Schmidt-Rottluf and Emil Nolde found their artistic home in the metropolis on the Spree. The unique Brücke Museum owns the most substantial collection of "Brücke" masterpieces worldwide. Then, from 1918 to the beginning of the roaring twenties Berlin was an important Dada centre with artists like George Grosz, Raoul Hausmann and Hannah Höch. With the reconstruction of Hamburg station into a museum the city gave a lavish temple to current art. Moreover a young gallery scene is taking root in districts like Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain and Berlin Mitte. In Mitte, in Quartier 205 there is an art supermarket every year with originals for a fixed price.
ART COLOGNE
Germany's oldest and most popular art fair transforms year after year the cologne exhibition halls into a giant gallery (April 18 - 22, 2007). Internationally renowned art dealers give an extensive overview of artistic activities of the 20th and 21st century - from classical modern art to the most up to date happenings. Traditionally the fair furthers young art and young artists through programmes like e.g. "New Talents and New Contemporaries" and by awarding the prize "Best of the Best". However, with "hidden treasures" Art Cologne is also active on the entire world market.
