The Nazis ran Mies van der Rohe out of Germany in 1937, but he triumphantly returned to Berlin in 1968 for his last built project, the Neue Nationalgalerie. At his peak, this was also his peak project with every part a perfect expression and execution of his architectural vision.
The black, almost floating structure, sets upon a pedestal with deep setbacks created a modern Parthenon walled with glass and supported by cruciformed I-beams. The interior carries the outside in with a dark cloud of rhythmic structure. There was an art show, but we were able enter and enjoy the space and step downstairs for a couple bevs and the gift store.
One nice detail, something not allowed in the US, is the lack of handrails, even along 15- to 20-foot drops at the sunken gardens. The lack of rails really cleans the design.
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