Origins and History of the Collection
The Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection originated from the collecting tastes of Otto Gerstenberg (1848–1935). As the CEO of the Victoria-Versicherung Berlin insurance company, Gerstenberg assembled one of the most significant private art collections in Germany during his lifetime. His early collecting activity focused primarily on the old masters.
The collection survived the Second World War in part. The remaining works were handed down in 1961 to his grandsons, Walther and Dieter Scharf. Today, the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection features works by the Surrealists and their precursors.
The Art of Surrealism and Fantastic Art
The collection focuses on the art of Surrealism and its precursors. Over 250 works trace the history of fantastic art, spanning an arch of more than 250 years. Approximately 300 paintings, sculptures, and graphics are on display, representing the interests of more than 50 artists. This selection emphasizes the development of the fantastic from the late 19th century through the postwar period.
Central to the holdings are the main protagonists of the Surrealist movement. The collection includes works by Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and René Magritte. These pieces are positioned alongside artists who foreshadowed the movement, creating a continuous line of tradition in Western art. The works on view include various media, from graphic cycles to paintings.
- A Couple of Gods, 1924 - Paul Klee
- The Beauty and the Beast, 1908 - Henri Rousseau
- Dying Down, 1940 - Paul Klee
- The Saint of Inner Light, 1921 - Paul Klee
- Chapel Quaking, 1924 - Paul Klee
- New Game Begins, 1930 - Paul Klee
Exhibitions and Research
The collection is presented under the title Surreal Worlds. This exhibition occupies two floors within the eastern Stülerbau and the Marstall opposite Charlottenburg Palace. The arrangement traces the history of fantastic art through paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. The program extends beyond static objects to include a film component. This selection features classic surrealist films by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí. It also incorporates films by contemporary artists that refer to surrealism or utilize its formal means.
Research and public engagement continue through specific programming. The institution hosts events such as "A Surprising Encounter," which presents fresh juxtapositions of works by artists including Hans Bellmer, Hannah Höch, Dorothea Tanning, and Jean Dubuffet. These presentations aim to highlight the connections between the various movements represented in the collection. The cinematic program remains a central part of the institutional offering, linking historical surrealist media with modern artistic practices.