The Gropius Bau in Berlin has extended its evening opening hours by one hour, now open until 8 PM (closed Tuesdays), due to high demand for its exhibition of performance artist Marina Abramović. The show, titled "Balkan Erotic Epic," opened two weeks ago and drew long queues from the start. It features both new and older works, including performances where Abramović carved a star into her abdomen or lay in a burning installation until losing consciousness. The exhibition explores eroticism, politics, Balkan folklore, sexual energy, death, the political dimension of the body, and the Yugoslav wars.
This matters because Abramović is one of the world's most renowned performance artists, and the strong public response underscores her enduring cultural relevance and the power of performance art to draw large audiences. The Gropius Bau's decision to extend hours reflects a broader trend of museums adapting to visitor demand. The venue will also present the upcoming exhibition "Peter Hujar / Liz Deschenes: Persistence of Vision," indicating a continued commitment to showcasing significant contemporary and photographic art.