Corona diary of the LUDWIGGALERIE: a slightly different review of the year
27 December 20202020 in the LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen
asks how 2020 was, then answers come like:
challenging, crazy ...
almost everyone in Oberhausen, in Germany, in the world felt the same way
and everyone has different experiences that they take with them to the turn of the year. Many
say the days dragged on like chewing gum, but at the same time the year went by at a rapid pace
over quickly. We feel like reviewing it all.
2020: Centro Tourism Fair
This weekend the tourism fair will take place in the central dome of the Centro. We look after
a stand together with OWT GmbH and talk to many visitors
visitors. Our exhibition program 2020 is packed with great
Presentations: about the photographic works of Linda McCartney and Rudolf
Holtappel and about the illustrators who are among the
Stories by Otfried Preußler. For every target group there is
something in it. That's what we're telling people this weekend.
Weeks later, alarming news reaches the world. In China, there is a
new virus. For us at the LUDWIGGALERIE, that is a long way off.
2020 & 18 January 2020: Press conference and opening of the exhibition “Photographer
under musicians: Linda McCartney – The Sixties and more”
overwhelmed! A large number of press representatives come to the museum to hear about
to report on the outstanding exhibition. Our director Dr. Vogt,
but also all of us are overjoyed and confident that this is a
will be an exceptionally well-attended exhibition. On the evening of the opening
Every inch of the main house is occupied! The guests want to see the show with the
See Linda McCartney's photographic work sooner than anyone else.
2020: Opening of "Jacques Tilly: Politics and Provocation - Caricatures XXL"
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| Opening in the Small Castle, 2020 © LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen |
the panorama gallery perhaps never. People are crowded together.
a fantastic start for our exhibition hall – people are queuing
at the checkout, the number of visitors
are skyrocketing and the events within our
The exhibition program in February is bursting at the seams with registrations.
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| Frank Goosen reads “The Beatles and I”, 2020 © LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen |
And always
We do not yet realize what is coming our way.
The news about the Corona virus is spreading. It is reaching Europe. A
Carnival session in Heinsberg and Après Ski in Ischgl are the so-called
“Superspreading events”. On March 11, 2020, it was clear: Corona had reached Oberhausen.
Three days later, the LUDWIGGALERIE closes as part of the first lockdown.
more than strange. The pictures hang on the wall and no one can
But there is also a growing understanding, as no one is yet clear
how best to deal with the whole situation. So –
of course only in the sense of the word – we rolled up our sleeves: How do we bring about what
actually inside, to the outside? The press and public relations department
develops an online concept. Audio statements by Jacques Tilly are created
as well as activists from FridayForFuture, we develop editorial plans with
recurring themes to ensure that our virtual visitors still have a good
program. In the meantime, administration and visitor services are
the Corona regulations and procure equipment to ensure the best possible
We want to be as well prepared as possible for the reopening of the LUDWIGGALERIE
be, at any time.
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| Plexiglass panel at the cash desk in the main building, 2020 © LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen |
7. May 2020:
Press conference “Rudolf Holtappel – The future has already begun. Ruhr region chronicler
theater documentarian department store photographer"
Everything in Germany is closed for months – but just in time for
We are allowed to open the Holtappel exhibition. But everything is different: the press conference
takes place with a limit on the number of people, journalists wearing masks
while maintaining the minimum distance, etc., etc. It is particularly regrettable
Furthermore, an opening may not take place. The otherwise packed curatorial tours may
not take place, only later can we, very limited, hold events
such as a midissage for the Rudolf Holtappel exhibition
September 2020: Preview and opening of “Räuber Hotzenplotz, Krabat and The
little witch. Otfried Preußler – character creator and storyteller"
Due to the good weather forecast, we decided to
decided on two separate outdoor events: a preview and an opening.
With a touch of Dolce Vita and good mood, the “Otfried Preußler” exhibition
ceremoniously opened and visitors can enter according to strict rules
into the house and the beautiful works of the numerous Preußler illustrators
admire.
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| Opening in the open air, 2020 © LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen |
Even
“Sleepless” in Oberhausen can take place this month. Our fairytale evening.
But there is renewed cause for concern, the number of corona infections is rising
The day before our first parent-baby tour (PARENTAL_BABY time – With
with the baby to the museum!), a new museum educational format, it is announced
that we have to close the LUDWIGGALERIE again after the weekend.
“Lockdown light” – the main victims are those who invest energy and money in
hygiene concepts: museums and many other cultural institutions and
– working, restaurants, service providers. Some museums, including ours, are represented
by Dr. Vogt, make a joint statement that the
The understanding for this measure is limited this time. It is said that a
Everything will be closed for the next month. But will it be extended?
Ende
November is clear: the LUDWIGGALERIE will not reopen. It remains
Lockdown. But we are happy that we can operate the museum shop.
Furthermore, you cannot plan ahead, only on a weekly basis.
Eventualities are taken into account, but hope is now being joined by a
a fair amount of realism. What if the openings of our new
Exhibitions ART ABOUT SHOES and WALTER KUROWSKI cancelled in January? When
are we even allowed to reopen?
we are still hanging in limbo and for now we have no choice but to wait until January
dismantling one exhibition and setting up the other.
One thing you can rely on in the museum business: Always ready to open the doors for
to open to visitors!
2020 Corona Home LUDWIGGALERIE