Berlin pays tribute to Christo and Jean-Claude on the occasion of 30 years of Reichstag packing
After numerous challenges, Christo and Jean-Claude were able to show the « Packed Reichstag » on June 24, 1995. The project was implemented by a team of 90 professional climbers and 120 technicians who wrapped the historic building with 100,000 square meters of synthetic fabric secured with blue ropes with a total length of 15.6 km.
The Reichstag remains packaged for two weeks, and then all the materials used are recycled. As with all projects of Christo and Jean-Claude, this one is fully funded by the artists by selling the original works of Christ’s art.
« In 1971, Christo and Jean-Claude came up with the bold idea of wrapping the Reichstag. It took them 24 years, including a 70-minute debate in the German parliament, to make their vision a reality, » said Vladimir Yavashev, a nephew of Christo and director of the couple’s projects. « Now, 30 years later, temporary screenings on this historic building will serve as a reminder of both their history and the impact of public art, » he added in the press release.
| The mapping show will be screened from 9 to 20 June 2025 on the Reichstag shortly after sunset to 1 am at night. |
The light installation using 24 synchronized projectors was created in collaboration with Roland pizzer and Prof. Peter Schwenkov, and the visual elements were developed by Anna Bacheva. The event is free and funded privately by the organizers.
Vladimir Yavashev: And the packed triumphal arch is a manifesto of freedom by Hristo
« Presenting the Reichstag as a light installation, we are celebrating Berlin, the union, democracy and art, » say Roland pizzero and Prof. Peter Schwenkov. « This is a tribute to the impressive heritage of Kristo and Jean -Claude and at the same time a gift for Berlin and for all people in the capital. E: place of freedom, diversity, joy, place for people with great ideas. «
Earlier this year, the National Gallery obtained a 1986 Christo work, related to the Packed Reichstag, acquired by the Christo and Jean-Claude Foundation, BTA reported. « The iconic collage signed by the artist consists of two parts, created by a handmade drawing with a pencil and pastel, an architectural plan of the facade, fabric and thread. Today, this work is the only original work of Christo in a public museum collection in Bulgaria, » the gallery noted. It will be presented to the public on June 24 in Square 500 – on the day of the 30th anniversary of the implementation of their project in Berlin.
| Meanwhile, the emblematic Volkswagen Beetle Saloon, 1963-2014, will be displayed at the new National Gallery in Berlin for one year. |
However, in 2025, there were three other important anniversaries related to Christo and Jean-Claude. The 20th anniversary of February has been the implementation of the « gates » in New York, and on this occasion the retrospective Christo and Jeanne-Claude: The Gates and Unrealized Projects for New York City was opened.
The 90th anniversary of their birth is celebrated on June 13, because Christo and Jean-Claude were born on the same date in the same year, and in September 2025 there will be 40 years in Paris since the two made Pon Neuff a monumental work of art. In order to honor the anniversary, the famous French artist Zhir, in collaboration with the Christo and Jean-Claude Foundation, will create an installation inspired by the heritage of the two artists.
French artist Zhi Er, who will cover the pon gnof 40 years after Christo and Jean-Claude
At the end of February, a documentary exhibition was opened at the NSU Museum at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, showing the preparation of the Run Islands project in Miami. Christo and Jean-Claude realized the large-scale installation in 1983, and the current exposition includes over 43 drawings, collages, photographs, engineering studies, correspondence, original components such as parts of the rose fabric, models and other archival documents that follow the history of this project. It can be viewed until February 23, 2026
