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Special art exhibit on the occasion of the 32nd real,- BERLIN MARATHON in the WasserGalerie (Water Gallery)

From 1988 to 1994, the BERLIN MARATHON commissioned contemporary artists to artistically design the cover pages of the programme.

2005-09-21

"The Runner" from Kruse
© Sportmuseum Berlin

The sculptor Max Kruse (b. May 4, 1854 – d. Jan. 29, 1942) played a significant role in the popularisation of the marathon legend in Germany. In 1879, Kruse created the sculpture “Messenger of Victory from Marathon”, which was presented in the Academy Exhibit in Berlin in 1881, winning both the Rome Prize and the Little Gold Medal (Kleine Goldene Medaille).

The National Gallery in Berlin then commissioned a bronze version of the sculpture, which has been in the possession of the Berlin National Gallery since 1884. Another larger version was created in 1894/95 for the roof (west side) of the Theater des Westens, which was restored to its original location at the theatre in downtown Berlin a few years ago.

Messenger of Victory

The popularity of the “Messenger of Victory” led the Gladenbeck Company (Berlin) to create replicas in various sizes to offer for sale. Slightly altered version of the “Messenger of Victory” can still be found today on numerous sport medals, certificates, posters, and programmes.
The BERLIN MARATHON also made use of this classic symbol when it was launched as the Berlin People’s Marathon in 1974.

Contemporary artist commissioned by the BERLIN-MARATHON

From 1988 to 1994, the BERLIN-MARATHON commissioned contemporary artists to artistically design images of running for the cover pages of the programme, thus demonstrating the connection between sport and culture.
Since 1988, a voluminous gallery of “running art,” including further works of art, caricatures, posters, photos, and literature, has been purchased and collected by the Sportmuseum Berlin, the Forum für Sportgeschichte (Forum for Sport History), and SCC-RUNNING. For the first time in a while, the most important pieces of these collections will be presented to the public. 

Paul Tergat and Uta Pippig

Among other works of art, the portrait of the reigning world record holder, Paul Tergat, created by the artist Claudia Nebel (Vienna), will be on exhibit; the painting was purchased by the Sportmuseum Berlin in 2004 through donations.

A bust of Uta Pippig created by Eino (Finland) – a present made to the BERLIN MARATHON from artist – can also be admired at the exhibit.

Venue: WasserGalerie
           Company headquarters of the Berliner Wasserbetriebe (Berlin Waterworks)
           Neue Jüdenstraße 2
            (Entrance via Stralauer Str.)
            10179 Berlin-Mitte
            U 2 Klosterstraße

The exhibition venue is located directly at km 11.5 of the old and new BERLIN MARATHON course. 
             Today, Wednesday  - Exhibit opening:  September 21, 2005, 6 p.m.
             Opening hours:  September 22 to October 3, 2005
             Mon. to Sat.: 2 – 6 p.m.                                                              
             Sundays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

            Entrance is free!