Zerreißprobe – Art Between Politics and Society at the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin Until September 2025

The exhibition “Zerreißprobe – Art Between Politics and Society” at the Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin shows how profound societal changes shaped art after 1945. Dive into an era of tension and transformation—expressed through iconic works from East and West Germany.

Art in a Divided World

After the Second World War, the Cold War shaped global politics. The arts became a reflection of this ideological conflict. “Zerreißprobe” presents major works from both the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR, capturing how artists responded to repression, censorship, and the search for identity.

From Pop Art to Conceptualism: A Diverse Artistic Landscape

This exhibition spans a wide array of styles—Pop Art, Minimal Art, Color Field Painting, and Conceptual Art. Artists such as Joseph Beuys, Francis Bacon, and Gerhard Richter represent the vibrancy and tension of a divided era. Their art visualizes the cultural, emotional, and political rupture between East and West.

Themes That Resonate Today: Feminism, Ecology, Identity

“Zerreißprobe” touches on key issues of the 20th century: emancipation, ecology, and identity. The selected artworks reflect the challenges and contradictions of the modern world. Whether radical or introspective, the pieces make visible how politics and society influenced creative freedom.

A Cultural Hotspot: The Kulturforum

Located in the heart of Berlin, the Kulturforum brings together world-class museums and galleries. After visiting the Neue Nationalgalerie, visitors can explore neighboring institutions such as the Gemäldegalerie or the Museum of Decorative Arts.

At a Glance 

Visitor Information

What: Zerreißprobe – Art Between Politics and Society
Where: Neue Nationalgalerie, Potsdamer Straße 50, 10785 Berlin
When: Until September 28, 2025
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Closed on Mondays
Admission: €8 regular | €4 reduced