Marking his 80th birthday, the Bundeskunsthalle presents an immersive exhibition celebrating filmmaker and artist Wim Wenders. The internationally acclaimed director gained recognition through landmark works including THE GOALKEEPER'S FEAR OF THE PENALTY KICK (1972) and FALSE MOVEMENT (1975), both based on Peter Handke; ALICE IN THE CITIES (1973/1974); and THE AMERICAN FRIEND (1977), adapted from Patricia Highsmith. His cinematic achievements include PARIS, TEXAS, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1984, and WINGS OF DESIRE (1987). BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB (1999) earned him an Oscar nomination and the European Film Award, while PERFECT DAYS (2023) garnered an Oscar nomination in 2024 and won the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Film.

Wenders is equally renowned for his intimate documentary films on artists, particularly his groundbreaking 3D works: PINA (2011), which earned both an Oscar nomination and the European Film Award, and ANSELM – DAS RAUSCHEN DER ZEIT (2023). A dedicated 3D cinema within the exhibition explores this distinctive cinematic language.

Seeing is a precious act—a compassionate gaze allows us to continually preserve this faculty. Wenders describes himself as a "traveller first, director and photographer second," suggesting that W.I.M. might equally stand for "Wenders in Motion." The exhibition showcases his complete artistic vision: extensive film compilations alongside large-format colour photographs, intimate black-and-white studies, Polaroids, collages, watercolours, and drawings spanning his entire career. A dedicated section features biographical and archival materials—production documents, scripts, letters, and behind-the-scenes photography—anchoring his work in its historical context and inviting visitors to enter Wenders' creative universe.

The exhibition also draws on artistic inspiration from the visual arts, literature, and music. Most notably, an immersive cinematic installation conceived specifically for Bonn unveils Wenders' visual philosophy. This special experience harnesses cutting-edge digital imagery and sound design to fully immerse visitors in his filmic world. Equally compelling is an audio walk in which Wenders himself guides you through the exhibition, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and insights into his visual narratives at key stations throughout.

www.bundeskunsthalle.de