Tempelhof's Art Fair and the Reversibility of Freedom
The POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair is taking place at Tempelhof Airport, featuring 96 galleries from 20 different nations, with a special emphasis on Turkey this year. As part of Berlin Art Week, the event transforms the airport's hangars into exhibition spaces for four days, displaying art against pristine white walls. Originally constructed by the Nazis in 1936, Tempelhof became a symbol of freedom during the Berlin Airlift of 1948-49. Although it closed in 2008, a 2014 referendum supported the preservation of the area, yet recent discussions about housing development have emerged. The article highlights that the fair represents a progressive view of freedom, advocating for cities to prioritize adaptability over permanence, allowing historical sites to change while honoring their legacy.
Key facts
- POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair is held in Hangars 5 and 6 of Tempelhof Airport, featuring 96 galleries from 20 countries with a focus on Turkey.
- Tempelhof Airport was begun by the Nazis in 1936 and later became a symbol of freedom during the Berlin Airlift (1948-49).
- In 2014, Berliners voted 64.3% in favor of the '100% Tempelhofer Feld' initiative, leading to the Tempelhofer Feld Act preserving the open space.
- The Tempelhofer Feld Act has been amended, and discussions about development along the perimeter have resumed due to housing shortage.
- The art fair transforms the hangars temporarily, illustrating a reversible use of space.
- Tempelhof has served multiple functions: Nazi architecture, arms production, airport, lifeline of West Berlin, recreational area, refugee housing, event venue, and art fair.
- The article argues that freedom includes the ability to reconsider decisions, not just defend them.
- The fair lasts four days during Berlin Art Week.
Entities
Institutions
- POSITIONS Berlin Art Fair
- Berlin Senate
- 100% Tempelhofer Feld initiative
- Berlin Art Week
- Tempelhof Airport
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Tempelhof Airport
- Tempelhofer Feld
- Hangars 5 and 6
- West Berlin
- Japan
- Canada
- Republic of Korea
- The Netherlands
- Poland
- Switzerland
- Türkiye
- Ukraine