Previously unseen original documentation
Previously undiscovered, forgotten into a box, 24 original office prints and press-cuttings, postcards and photographs of Neue Nationalgalerie by Mies van der Rohe have been found in the last part of 2015, and are now available at the AA Library book storage area.
The last building to be designed by the great Van der Rohe, Neue Nationalgalerie, completed in 1968 is a standing testament of the style and ideology of the modernist architect – from the clean structure to the console throughout the entire perimeter. It contains a vaste exhibit hall and also permanent collection spaces, office for the staff and a “sculpture courtyard” on one side. The roof is supported by 2 large columns on every side, creating a very light appearance.
Courtesy of Architectural Association
It seems that the drawings, although many of them are in German, have been under AA ownership since 1983. They are part of the earlier part of the project, from around 1964 to 1967, since they are given the original name: “Gallery of the Twentief Century”. There are two blueprints and many detailed technical elements, such as plans, sections, detailing for the glass walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, ramps, windows, doors, toilets, the terrace, wardrobe roof and lighting elements. While he have the architectural drawings, the press cuttings are from journals of that period, and also include four postcards of the building and nine original photographs from the opening. The most impressive one shows Mies van der Rohe and Hans Scharoun together, sitting at the laying of the foundation stone in 1966. Also, the 6 page typescript describing the gallery, the construction of it and its function is believed to be a press release from the official opening.
Courtesy of Architectural Association
All materials are available at the AA Archives, and some of them are found online.