5. Why was Berlin’s former palace named after the Humboldt Brothers?
The Humboldt Brothers
Monika Grütters remarks about the future of the Humboldt Forum: “The Humboldt brothers’ legacy of observing the world with their own eyes, of encountering the unfamiliar face-to-face without repelling or disparaging it, is today more pertinent than ever. (Like the work of the Humboldt brothers), the Humboldt Forum aims to be a benchmark and role model for all of Germany for the handling of cultural assets from colonial contexts.” Howard Gardner outlines the achievements of the brothers in his article “The Remarkable von Humboldt Brothers”, Wilhelm von Humboldt, the older brother, is considered the founder of Berlin’s university and the younger brother Alexander von Humboldt was leading scientist of his time.
Summarize the achievements of both brothers and explain why naming the building after the Humboldt Brothers is a good choice. What are some reasons against selecting Humboldt as the name for this forum?
The Remarkable Humboldt Brothers
6. Looted Art in the Humboldt Forum?
A. Look at the usage plan for the Humboldt Forum and list the art objects that had been kept in various Berlin museums and will now be displayed in this central new museum.
B. Listen to the speech by Chimamanda Adichie and describe the current issues with the planned collection in the Forum.
These issues are further explored in “Looted colonial art: Is there the political will to return pilfered artifacts?” An encyclopedia article on German colonialism provides information on Germany’s colonial background. Summarize the discussion and describe its significance for the new Humboldt Forum museum.
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