the temporary bauhaus-archiv / museum für gestaltung — Attraction in Berlin

The Bauhaus Archive is closed. Not a problem! A temporary archive exhibit is open. I was able to visit the archive for a full day. I spent the start of my day by experimenting with the AI powered digital archive. This wonderful little exhibition booth is a small corridor with glass where the glow of an iPad screen pulls you deeper into the dark structure. Once your hands find the iPad screen a large dual screen lights up in front of you and illuminates the room. The room appears to be full of mirror walls and basking in LCD light now feels a lot larger. Making a selection on the iPad screen gives you 6 dif experiences. Each varies slightly and dif archive segments and individual pieces of the collection are shown with descriptions. The AI allows for selections to be made based on colour and by defining a line on the screen. Once the colour is selected a fine selection is made of archive pieces which are shown in a timed carousel. When defining a line the AI searched for images with similar line work showing in the scan. Drawing a circle vs a square gives a very different defined result. Inspiring to see where this technology can take Archive experiences!

Leaving the booth i spent time reviewing the Bauhaus movement timeline on the vide and was able to read and browse through various now and then workbooks and teaching methods.

Leaving the vide returning downstairs a wonderful shopping experience has been created with free standing mobile trolleys, display cases and book tables. Gifts, souvenirs and both picture and study books are available at various price points.

Whoever has a tight timetable can take some worksheets home to experience the exercises the baushaus students worked on. WIth an extended stay in Berlin one can book a workshop slot as they are hosted weekly on Thu or Saturdays.

Overall a great experience, as we look forward to the new Bauhaus...

Interesting for anyone wanting to learn about Bauhaus, but quite disappointing. The timeline was in large part written really boringly (mostly listing who came and left and when, instead of giving insight to the era and designs).

The app that brought more content to it was an audio guide with few photos - if you don't have enough space in your phone, earphones or the willingness to listen, it's not very appealing. Why not put photos, text or light animation instead? This is what would've been nice in the second floor as well with the women of Bauhaus - portraits and one-sentence introductions really left you wishing for more. The products they designed, the photos they took, quotes? Nothing.

The shop lets you see some of the products but doesn't make up for the exhibit. Also, the video about the "100 years of Bauhaus" centennial year events etc. didn't have subtitles so you don't get much out of it if you don't...

Having visited the original Bauhaus Archiv, I was curious to see how the temporary space would compare. The difference is clear the moment you walk in. The original museum carried a strong sense of history, with galleries that immersed you in the Bauhaus legacy. The temporary location, by contrast, feels more like a shop with a gallery attached. The front area is dominated by merchandise and publications, which makes browsing easy but shifts the focus away from the archival depth that made the original so compelling.

What made my visit worthwhile was the screening of Aus Haut Glas und Beton. The documentary was thoughtful and visually engaging.

The space is clean and modern, but it lacks the atmosphere of the original building. I left with the impression that this is a placeholder, a bridge until the new museum opens. It works for now, but I hope they bring more historical works and curated displays...