Modernity in retrospect
One hundred years after the first exhibition of the New Collection, the International Ceramics Museum is looking back at the beginnings of the Munich institution. On display will be a selection of ceramic works that were on show in its inaugural exhibition in 1926 – and thus a defining moment in the history of its collection.
The New Collection was initially established in 1925 as the “Department of Industrial Art” at the Bavarian National Museum. From the very beginning, modernity, internationality and the quality of contemporary design took centre stage. The first exhibition was intended not only as a museum presentation of objects, but also as a programmatic launch: It was intended to introduce the new institution and at the same time offer a broad public guidance on design issues.
Ceramics played an important role in this concept. A separate room was dedicated to it, in addition to the porcelain housed in the neighbouring room and large-format works in the entrance area. Today’s presentation in the International Ceramics Museum builds on this and brings together works that bear witness to the diversity of modern design at the beginning of the 20th century: from Art Nouveau and functional form to regional traditions and international positions. This makes it clear how early the openness that characterises the profile of the collection to the present day was established.
