In the summer of 1995, Berlin witnessed an emblematic artistic intervention that was to be engraved in the historical memory of the city and Europe. For two weeks, the history Reichstag building – Today’s headquarters of the Federal Parliament (Bundestag) – It was fully covered with silver fabric, in a spectacular installation of Christo and Jean Claude, the internationally renowned artistic couple.

The birth of a historical idea

This grand project was not the result of an instant inspiration; on the contrary, it was a product 23 years of age and persistent pursuit. The original conception of the idea dates back to 1971, in the heart of the Cold War, and while the Berlin Wall was still rising next to Reichstag, a symbol of Germany’s historical unrest. The vision of the two creators was bold: *to wrap the Reichstag and to highlight it through the abstract power of the fabric *.

Approval for the implementation of the project was finally given in 1994, after more than more than 20 years of discussions and consultations. In June 1995, Reichstag was transformed as it was covered with over 100,000 square meters of silver fabric and 16 kilometers of rope, arousing worldwide interest.

The magic of the temporary and the artistic philosophy

During the 14 days, more than 5 million visitors They rushed to Berlin to live closely this unique spectacle. The work became a meeting point, a girlfriend and the discussion: Citizens lying on the grass, enjoying a picnic, photographing the spectacular spectacle and chatting about his meaning.

Christo and Jean Claude did not want * to make the building invisible, but to focus and give him a new existence. The silver housing removed the details, highlighting its form and volume, while delivering a sense of ritual renewal. The main one, however, was the ephemeral nature of the project: *Beauty is in the ephemeral *, the creators repeated. The installation existed for only two weeks – and then disappeared, leaving behind only memories. This conscious choice was in the center of the short -lived moment, inviting the public to appreciate the present.

A couple who changed the boundaries of art

In 2025 it is 90 years since the common birth of Christos and Jean Claude (June 13, 1935) – of one twin that sealed contemporary art with giant, public and temporary facilities. Christo, from Bulgaria, sought freedom in Western Europe, while Jean Claude, originally from France and Morocco, was the stable organizing power of the shape. By Pont neuf In Paris, up to Central Park and Wrapped reichstagthe two of them implemented projects that transformed well -known landmarks, without permanently altering them, and always without sponsors or ads – based solely on the sale of their plans.

The 1995 wrapped House remains a key moment for the cultural identity of the United Germany – and a timeless symbol of power of art to overthrow, transform and cause thought.

Curated by: Maria Rigoutsou