"Is it still possible to visit the Herrenchiemsee Castle?"
Herrenchiemsee Castle in Munich, Germany, is playing host to an enlightening exhibition titled "Can you still? – Art & Democracy". Running until October 12, 2025, the exhibition showcases over 50 artworks by international artists that delve into fundamental democratic values such as freedom, self-determination, and human dignity.
The artworks on display reflect on historical events, often offering critical and retrospective perspectives, and translating these experiences into timeless images that question democratic principles. The exhibition's theme revolves around exploring conventions, social roles, forms of self-expression, and values relevant to both individuals and society.
The Bavarian State Painting Collections ("Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen") have contributed masterpieces spanning from Classical Modernism to contemporary art. These works are complemented by site-specific installations that interact with the palace setting, creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
Herrenchiemsee Castle holds historical significance, having been the site of the 1948 Constitutional Convention, which laid the foundation for the German constitution. The exhibition connects with this history, inviting visitors to critically engage with democracy, its values, and challenges in both historical and modern contexts.
The exhibition also offers a family-friendly experience, with the van de Loo Children's Forum inviting children to engage creatively. Highlights include works such as Warhol's portrait of Joseph Beuys, Anselm Kiefer's "Nero Paints", and Willi Geiger's "Ruin Ghost" (1952), which symbolizes the destruction of buildings and human lives during a certain period in German history.
The double-entendre title of the exhibition, "Can you still?", reflects its theme, encouraging visitors to question the state of democracy and our hard-won values in the face of populism, fear of war, terrorism, and climate change. The music video of the song "Can you still?" by the band Deichkind plays on a loop in the entrance area, setting the tone for the exhibition.
Joseph Beuys' "Rose for Direct Democracy" (1973) and Sheila Hicks' giant cushion installation are other noteworthy pieces. The former symbolizes active participation in the democratic process, while the latter suggests a return to childlike fantasy, openness, and impartiality could solve problems.
The exhibition is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm, offering visitors the opportunity to admire the castle's crazy mirror gallery and absurdly beautiful bathroom, in addition to the thought-provoking artworks on display. The display of Warhol's work is a tribute to gallery owner Bernd Klüser, who introduced Warhol and Beuys and had the idea for these works, as he is closing his gallery after almost 50 years.
In summary, "Can you still? – Art & Democracy" is an exhibition that invites visitors to engage critically with democracy, its values, and challenges. Through a diverse range of artworks, the exhibition offers a unique perspective on the history and current state of democracy, encouraging visitors to question, reflect, and engage.
The artworks in the exhibition at Herrenchiemsee Castle explore themes related to democracy, home-and-garden lifestyle, general news, politics, and self-expression. For instance, Warhol's portrait of Joseph Beuys reflects on the intersection of art, politics, and society. Meanwhile, Sheila Hicks' giant cushion installation invites visitors to consider alternative solutions for addressing contemporary issues, echoing the themes of self-determination and human dignity.
The exhibition also delves into historical events and their impact on our democratic values, a topic covered by works such as Anselm Kiefer's "Nero Paints" and Willi Geiger's "Ruin Ghost". These pieces offer retrospective perspectives on the destruction of buildings and human lives, promoting critical discussions about democracy, freedom, and human rights in the context of political upheaval.
