Berlin museum racks up admissions thanks to Merkel portrait

A newly unveiled portrait of former German chancellor Angela Merkel has fuelled a massive rise in visitors to Berlin's Bode Museum.

Since the painting went on display on July 1, visitor numbers have risen sharply, said a spokesman for the complex housing the museum, which is best known for its collections of sculptures, Byzantine art, coins and medals.

"The daily visitor count is, on average, 85% higher than in June," the spokesman said. He said there are currently around 900 visits a day, although it is not yet possible to say whether this trend will continue.

Merkel, who led Germany for 16 years until December 2021, took her time to decide on an artist after she left office. "I needed distance," she said at the work's unveiling at the end of June.

The portrait was not meant to be just another item on a to-do list. "I wanted to take pleasure in such a process," the former conservative chancellor said.

The portrait was ultimately painted by the Franco-German artist Jérémie Queyras. The 28-year-old comes from a family of musicians in Freiburg and had submitted a handwritten application to Merkel in 2022.

The painting depicts Merkel wearing a bright blue blazer against a golden-brown background. 

Merkel said she chose the blue blazer because the colour has something strong and commanding about it. Strong light falls on her face, intended to bring out the "traces of power," as the work's description states.

In the first days after the exhibition opened, many people specifically wanted to see the painting and asked the security staff for directions.

Visitors can see it on display until October 4 at the Bode Museum, which is just a few metres from Merkel's home in the capital. After that, it will be loaned to the Chancellery.