Seminar I: Dresden Museum of Military History

We got an exclusive tour of the new Museum of MIlitary History (run by the German Bundeswehr) prior to its opening on October 15th, 2011. One of the Project Directors, Gorch Pieken, took us around and it was unbelievably fascinating to see a museum in the process of being completed.

The new design was created by Daniel Liebeskind and the exhibits within his addition take a modern approach to exploring war and its effects, whereas the remainder of the building has the traditional approach with pictures, uniforms and other paraphernalia presented behind glass doors. This article from LA Times provides a good summary of the discussions swirling around the museum. If you are ever in the area, I *highly* recommend a visit.  http://www.mhmbundeswehr.de/

The "v" shape on the escape map is the architectural addition of Liebeskind, although his firm also did some interior design (including a restaurant and kitchen) as well.

 The view from the front

Where the restaurant inside will be

Building an exhibit

 

There is a whole section discussing the impact of war on children...

The use of animals in military endeavors throughout history...