Under the title “Kosmos Heartfield” a virtual presentation shows photos, documents and audiovisual material attesting to the life and impact of John Heartfield, the pioneer of photomontage, and gives new impulses to the discussion of the political artist. Complementing the exhibition “John Heartfield – Photography plus Dynamite”, the website presents individual works by Heartfield and illustrates his collaborative creative network.

Due to the acute risk associated with the coronavirus, the Akademie der Künste has closed its exhibitions, Archives, museums, collections and library until further notice. All public events are cancelled until further notice and the Akademie locations are no longer open to the public. We hope to welcome you back in person at the Akademie der Künste as soon as possible. Protect yourself and others and stay healthy!

John Heartfield (1891–1968) was one of the most innovative artists of the 20th century. His political photomontages became icons in the fight against National Socialism. The retrospective shows the many facets of his art, from montage and book design to set design, photography and animated film. The basis of the show is the reworking and digitalization of his estate. The exhibition at Pariser Platz will be postponed if possible.

The Akademie der Künste will be following the themes of Europe, cultural memory, and sustainability in 2020. The 12th issue of the Journal der Künste provides insights into the specific projects for the year, alongside discussions that follow on from last year's themes and are geared toward platforms for 2021. With articles by Aleida Assmann, Volker Braun, Francine Houben, Robert Kudielka, Michael Ruetz, Clemens Trautmann, Klaus Wolfram and many more.

The Archives at the Akademie der Künste may be used free of charge for scholarly, private, or press research. Since December 2015, the Archives Database offers a regularly updated online digital research tool. The database contains information on all of the collections in the Archives, which comprise around 1,020,000 archival materials as well as approximately 462,000 analogue and digital copies of archival materials.

The Akademie der Künste in Berlin is one of the oldest cultural institutes in Europe. It is an international community of artists that currently totals 418 members in its six Sections (Visual Arts, Architecture, Music, Literature, Performing Arts, Film and Media Arts). The Akademie is an exhibition and event location. A key component of the Akademie are its archives, which collectively form one of the most important interdisciplinary archives on 20th century art.