On 13 April 2018 you have an opportunity to visit many of Vienna´s cultural and research institutions for free. It´s Lange Nacht der Forschung (Long Night of Research) again! LNF18 is the only nationwide science communication event that makes the services of domestic institutions accessible to the general public – from school projects to cutting-edge research.
Yesterday I had a chance to get a special preview with Instagramers Austria of what´s on show at Vienna´s Museum of Applied Arts — the MAK. This venerable institution was founded as the Imperial Royal Austrian Museum of Art and Industry in 1863 and has come a long way since then. Today, history and modern (applied) art sit side by side.
So, what do science and research have to do with art? Quite a lot, as it turns out. Special exhibits for the LNF18 include:
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Klimt´s Magic Garden: A Virtual Reality Experience by Frederick Baker
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CRISPR / Cas9 gene manipulation visualized! Where art and science interact
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Ornament, mathematics, and art: the reconstruction of the rosette from the Minbar of the Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo
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Made by Klimt, reloaded by MAK: A technological look at the design drawings for the Palais Stoclet
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Rediscovery of the Viennese Orient: an attempt to reconstruct the work of architect Franz Schmoranz
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A missionary artist: Matteo Ripa at the imperial court in Beijing
The Aesthetics of Change
If you want to see the temporary exhibit on the Aesthetics of change, which chronicles important milestones in the evolution of the MAK, you have to hurry – it ends on 15 April 2018! It is arranged in alphabetic order – from A to Z (the MAK from 1867 to 2017).
The second part of this anniversary exhibition, 150 + thirty, sketches some theses for the future and pleads for a reorientation of education, art and society. This is where modern technology meets art – some rather interesting exhibits there.
From Viennese to International Style
I also recommend the permanent exhibition spaces. Personally I am quite partial to the objects of home interior design from the Vienna Secession period. The MAK has some really beautiful pieces on show.
Time for some relaxation
After having a look at the permanent exhibitions and exploring the various temporary exhibit spaces, perhaps you´d like to take a reading break on the modern seating elements by Hermann Czech in the MAK’s central, neo-Renaissance Main Hall? Or enjoy some food at t he MAK´s restaurant Salonplafond.
Did you know that the MAK has several venues apart from the well known one at Vienna´s Ringstraße? There is even one in Los Angeles (yes, admittedly a bit far from Vienna)!
Have a look at the entire programme of the LNF18 — I bet you´ll have a hard time choosing what to see.
All current exhibitions at the MAK
The MAK also has a blog! (in German)
Beyond the MAK – MAK Tips
WATCH THIS SPACE for Part 2 – the ZAMG
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