GerMANY Faces

Germany offers an impressive variety of cultural riches: cutting-edge Bauhaus architecture, unique museums ensembles such as Berlin's Museum Island, the Pinakothek complex in Munich, Stuttgart's State Gallery and the opening of Hamburg's emigration center "BallinStadt".

The art scene is alive and vital, and this year numerous important events will take place throughout the country, including the 'Constantine the Great' exhibit opening in Trier and the world's most important contemporary art exhibition, Documenta 12, in Kassel presented every 5 years.

Spectacular modern art also abounds in Leipzig, one of Europe's new art capitals and a magnet for international collectors.

For more information visit www.ComeToGermany.com


Events in Germany

• Exhibition: Muenter and Kandinsky, Munich, Feb 10 - Jul 03, 2007

The exhibition house "Lenbachhaus" in Munich presents Gabriele Muenter, the well-known woman painter and founder of the Blue Rider Group, in her almost unknown role as a photographer. The Blue Rider was an association of expressionism artists located in Murnau close to Munich. This exhibition comprises photographs of her journeys with Wassily Kandinsky, and her beloved house in Murnau. www.muenchen.de

• Bamberg Millennium Anniversary Exhibition of the Bishopric "Beneath the Star Spangled Coat", May 12 - Nov 04, 2007

Bamberg celebrates the Millenium Anniversary Exhibition of the Bisphopric "Beneath the Star Spangled Coat" which portrays a review of the manifold history of Bamberg. About 1000 years ago the diocese of Bamberg was founded by Henry II and Bamberg became the center of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. Today, Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact old town centers and is an outstanding cultural and architectural highlight of every tour through Bavaria. www.bamberg.info

• Herrenhausen Festival, Hannover, May 28 - Sep 03, 2007

The highly popular Herrenhausen Festival weeks take place in the famous Royal Gardens in Hannover. The highlights include "Herrenhausen Baroque" with top class concerts and theater performances in the Festival Hall of the Galerie building – one of the most beautiful Baroque venues in North Germany. www.hannover.de

• Exhibition "Constantine the Great", Trier, Jun 02 - Nov 04, 2007

The exhibition documents the life of Constantine and his pivotal role in the history of Europe. Showpieces from internationally renowned museums such as the Louvre in Paris or the Vatican will be on display in three venues in Germany’s oldest city.

• Documenta 12, Kassel, Jun 16 - Sep 23, 2007

Every five years Kassel becomes the center of the international art scene when the world’s most important exhibition of contemporary art takes place. From June 16 to September 23, 2007 art from around the world and in all conceivable media will be on display for 100 days at ‘documenta 12’. www.documenta12.de

• Sculpture Show, Münster, Jun 17 - Sep 20, 2007

Every ten years the internationally acclaimed Sculpture Show in Münster will take place throughout the city. The exhibition will present the works of 35 artists from all over the world who deal with the question of the purpose of art in public space. For more information visit www.skulptur-projekte.de

• Wine Village, Stuttgart, Aug 29 - Sep 09, 2007

The ‘Stuttgart Wine Village’ – one of the largest and most beautiful wine festivals in Germany – starts at the end of August. More than a million visitors from around the world enjoy fine wines and Swabian delicacies on the marketplace in 120 cozy wine alcoves decorated according to the Swabian folklore tradition. www.stuttgart-tourist.de

• Long Night of Museums, Munich, Oct 21, 2007

In October the ‘Long Night of Museums’ takes place in Munich. Over 80 museums and galleries, along with churches and art societies stay open until the early hours. Among the participating museums are the Old Pinakothek, the German Museum and the Bavarian National Museum, which traces the region's artistic history. They all offer guided tours, concerts and special events.

Hungary - Secrets to Discover

Hungary is one of the oldest European countries with a history spanning more than eleven centuries. Countless monuments and architectural sights give you a snapshot of Roman and Medieval times. Belle Epoque Budapest, packed with neo-classical palaces and uniquely Hungarian Art Nouveau concert halls, museums, trendy galleries and decadent restaurants, is prepared to acquaint you with the new spirit of a constantly developing capital. The modern-day attractions include the new center of cultural life with the architectural prize winner, Palace of Arts.

For more information visit www.gotohungary.com

Holland - Gauda Cheese, Tulips and van Gogh!

Holland has more museums per square mile than any other country! Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum shows 400 highlights of the Dutch Golden Age including works by the 'Dutch Masters' of the 17th century - Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen.

The VAN GOGH Museum in Amsterdam owns the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh comprising more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 letters as well as the artist's own collection of Japanese prints.

With over 20,000 buildings and a multitude of winding canals, Amsterdam has one of the largest historical city centers in the world. Canals and canal houses adorn the city that leads you back to Holland's Golden Age.

For more information visit www.holland.com

Romania - Undiscovered

Natural and Cultural are the words that best capture the essence of Romania, a country rich in history, traditions and scenic beauty. A three-hour journey takes you from the Carpathian Mountains to the Black Sea, and from the Danube Delta to the country's sophisticated capital, Bucharest.

Take a step back in time as you enter one of the many medieval tourns in Transylvania, the painted monasteries in Bucovina or a traditional village in Maramures. There are 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Romania and many towns that still preserve the charm of old Europe.

For more information visit www.romaniatourism.com

Spain - Combine Beach, Sun and Culture

Since the opening of architect Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Bilbao nearly a decade ago, native-born new masters, like architect Calatrava, have been redefining the skylines of cities around the world. In Danta Cruz de Tenerife on the Canary Islands stands a maserpiece designed by Calatrava - The Auditorio - a large overhanging wing, known by locals as 'The Wave'. Calatrava's urban recreation center, the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, is sited in a dried riverbed. Calatrava makes significant use of water throughout the site to reflect and magnify the impact of this arching stuctures.

For more information visit www.spain.info

Switzerland - More Than Just Mountains

There is so much to explore in Switzerland and only short distances separate one cultural experience fron the next.

No other county has a greater density of MUSEUMS: more than 980 institutions present treasures from all epochs and eras, including the Paul Klee Center in Bern by Renzo Piano and the Tinguely Museum in Basel by Mario Botta.

Upcoming events not to be missed include Europe's leading art fair ARTBASEL from June 13-17, 2007 and the CHAGALL exhibition at the Foundation Gianadda in Martigny from July 16-November 19, 2007.

For more information visit http://www.myswitzerland.com/

Belgium - French Fries and More

Belgium, where traditional Europe meets the cutting edge. Delicate Baroque buildings and a street named Meat & Bread; an exhibit of comic strips and jazz until dawn: This is Brussels.

But Belgium is more than just its bustling capital. FLANDERS, to the north, is filled with stately cities and towns lined with canals. The southern swath of the country, green-splashed WALLONIA, beckons with tiny romantic towns.

Eclectric art, fabulous food, the latest fashion and design - all of this is Belgium, the CREATIVE HOTSPOT in the heart of Europe.

For more information visit www.visitbelgium.com

Art & Culture in Europe - Hip Hot Happening

Thousands of years of civilization have left Europe with an astounding wealth of cultural treasures. Visit any region on the continent, and you won't be far from a monument, museum, castle, cathedral or special event of your interest.

Every European country has its own story to tell. In the following blogs you will find a selection of art, culture, special events and more form all over Europe. It's a small sample of the many treasures and pleasures waiting in Europe.

For more information visit www.artsineurope.com.