Cesar Klein (1876–1954) was a pioneering modern artist whose remarkable versatility enabled him to transcend the boundaries between fine and applied art. His oeuvre encompassed not only painting and graphic art, but also interior design and the creation of mosaics, stained-glass windows, furniture, and porcelain. As a stage and film designer, he also played a significant role in shaping Berlin’s cultural life during the Weimar Republic.Cesar Klein is undoubtedly among the leading figures of Berlin Modernism, both in the fields of fine and applied arts. Yet, despite his importance, Berlin has never devoted a monographic exhibition to his work. The 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth provides the occasion to celebrate his remarkable career with a major exhibition in the city. As a visual artist, Klein was actively involved in the leading avant-garde movements before and between the two World Wars. In 1910, he was among the first members of the Neue Secession, along with Expressionist artists such as Max Pechstein. In 1919, he declined an invitation to join the newly established Bauhaus. Instead, he accepted the position of head of the Decorative Painting class at the Berlin teaching institute of the Museum of Decorative Arts (Kunstgewerbemuseum), where he expanded his connections within the art and theatre worlds. During the 1920s, he became one of Germany’s most sought-after stage and interior designers, making a lasting contribution to both Expressionist theatre and the visual language of German Art Deco.Under the National Socialist regime, Klein lost his professorship, was banned from painting, and was denounced as a “degenerate” artist. Numerous works were removed from public collections. Stage design remained the only field in which he was permitted to continue working. Following the Second World War, he returned to painting with renewed intensity, producing an impressive late body of work.

A fully illustrated exhibition catalogue accompanies the exhibition.

The project is made possible through funding from the Hauptstadtkulturfonds (Berlin Capital Cultural Fund). Additional support is provided by the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation and the Freundeskreis Cesar Klein e.V. (Friends of Cesar Klein Association). We would also like to thank the TheaterGemeinde Berlin, whose financial support has made it possible to recreate a stage set designed by Cesar Klein.

Media partners: Wall GmbH, rbb24 Inforadio, radio3, tip, The Berliner, Dinamix

Advertising motif: Cesar Klein, The Birth of Venus. Full-scale (1:1) working cartoon for a bathroom window in the Lewin Villa, Breslau, 1917. Design by Gerwin Schmidt, 2026.

Program for the Exhibition

Opening of the exhibition
Wed, 14 Oct, 6 pm, no registration required

Free public guided tours (museum admission not included)
every Saturday, 3 pm, no registration required

Free Public Curator-Led Tours (museum admission not included)
Sun, 1 Nov, 10 Jan, 21 Feb, 4 pm, no registration required

Making Theatre!
Lecture followed by a discussion, accompanied by music and puppetry
Sat, 14 Nov, 6 pm, admission free, no registration required

Culture for All!
Discussion, accompanied by music
Thu, 4 Feb, 6 pm, admission free, no registration required

Stage Designs and Scenic Spaces
Discussion
Fri, 26 Feb, 6 pm, admission free, no registration required

Dear Rhythm
Musical Tribute to Cesar Klein
Fri, 12 Mar, 6 pm, admission free, no registration required

Mosaic Workshop
Let yourself be inspired by the vibrant colors and ornamental designs of Cesar Klein and create your own mosaic under professional guidance. Step by step, colorful ceramic and porcelain fragments are transformed into a unique work of art to take home.
Sat, 31 Oct/7 Nov/21 Nov/5 Dec/9 Jan/23 Jan/6 Feb/27 Feb/6 Mar/20 Mar, 2–5 pm
16 years and over, €89 p.p. incl. museum admission and workshop materials, limited number of participants. No prior experience is required. Binding registration is required no later than three days before the selected date at: vermittlung@broehan-museum.de, Tel: 030/32690625

more information here

After-Work Mosaic
Experience the exhibition after opening hours and create your own mosaic in an exclusive atmosphere. Enjoy an after-work drink and a special creative evening at the museum in a small group.
Fri, 15 Jan or 19 Feb, 5–8 pm
16 years and over, €95 p.p. incl. museum admission and workshop materials, limited number of participants. No prior experience is required. Binding registration is required no later than three days before the selected date at: vermittlung@broehan-museum.de, Tel: 030/32690625

more information here

Free “Family Sundays”
every 3rd Sunday of the month, 11 am, for children (ages 5–12) and their families, 90 min., registration required at: vermittlung@broehan-museum.de, Tel: 030/32690625

Autumn and Winter Holiday Courses for Children
more information here

School Group Program for the Exhibition
more information here