Treasured Spots on Museum Island: "These are the places that resonate deeply with me"
The Alte Nationalgalerie, a jewel of Berlin's Museum Island, is one of the five museums that make up the Nationalgalerie group. Established in the 19th century, it stands alongside other iconic museums on the island, such as the Altes Museum and Neues Museum, as a testament to Germany's rich cultural heritage.
One of the Alte Nationalgalerie's most striking features is its domed hall, a central rotunda that draws inspiration from classical models like the Pantheon in Rome. This architectural marvel, with its shell-like elements and intricate details, creates an impressive, light-filled space that serves as a focal point of the museum's interior. The dome is adorned with gold stars painted on a blue ceiling, adding a touch of elegance to the already grand design.
For the employees of the Alte Nationalgalerie, like Rüdiger Perleberg and Stefanie Meisgeier, the museum is more than just a place of work. Perleberg, a security guard who has been with the museum for 26 years, considers it his favorite place. He often writes books about his experiences at the Alte Nationalgalerie, and finds joy in interacting with visitors, sharing his wealth of knowledge about the museum and its collections.
Meisgeier, a research intern, is equally enamored with the Alte Nationalgalerie. She delights in the domed hall, finding the colours and the shell-like elements particularly captivating. For both Perleberg and Meisgeier, the museum is a vibrant cultural venue that not only preserves heritage but also fosters public engagement and education.
The Alte Nationalgalerie is significant to Perleberg, who refers to it as the place where his heart is. Over the years, he has become a source of information for visitors, sharing his passion for the museum and its collections. Meisgeier, on the other hand, finds the museum to be a calming place within the museum, a sanctuary amidst the bustling city of Berlin.
In conclusion, the Alte Nationalgalerie is a museum that combines historic architecture with a rich artistic collection, creating a unique atmosphere that inspires its employees. For visitors, it offers a glimpse into Germany's cultural past, while for its employees, it is a place where history comes alive every day. For a more in-depth exploration of the personal experiences of employees like Perleberg and Meisgeier, direct interviews or museum publications might provide further insights beyond the architectural and historical focus of available sources.
The Alte Nationalgalerie, beyond being a significant historical and architectural testament, serves as a cherished workplace for its dedicated employees. Rüdiger Perleberg, a long-term security guard, and Stefanie Meisgeier, a research intern, find solace and inspiration in the museum's home-and-garden-like interior, particularly the domed hall, which blends art and lifestyle in an elevated way.
