Myanmar – the mysterious “Golden Land”: Although Myanmar, formerly Birma, is one of the larger countries in Southeast Asia with an area of 678,500 km² and a population of around 55 million, its culture, art and history are largely unknown. The exhibition provided comprehensive insights into the culture of a country that is making its way into the modern age after many years of isolation.

Anyone who travels through Myanmar immediately recognizes: life there is determined by Buddhism. Centuries-old temples and golden pagodas dominate the landscapes, in every house a shrine is enthroned in the highest place for the daily worship of Buddha and children become monks at a young age.

Using 200 selected originals from top-class international collections, films and music, the exhibition conveyed an impression of Myanmar society and traced the diverse forms of expression of lived religion. The focus was on Myanmar Buddhism and the closely related arts. On display were a throne, impressive Buddha figures from twelve centuries, frescoes, magnificent manuscripts on paper, palm leaf and ivory, filigree wood carvings, lacquer vessels and other objects from Buddhist monasteries. The performing arts also contributed to the communication of Buddhist teachings. In addition to excerpts from performances, costumes, puppets and traditional musical instruments were on display. The highlight was a complete Hsaing orchestra, which consists of a variety of different drums, gongs and other melodic instruments and is used at public events to accompany dances and religious ceremonies.

Astrology and magic still play an important role in Myanmar today. The worship of the Nat spirits is presented in a complete shrine with figurines and votive offerings. Traditional moral concepts and the belief in the effect of colors and patterns, which can have a lasting impact on one’s fate, characterize the arts of body design: The exhibition showed fine silk dresses, hand-woven cotton fabrics, jewelry, traditional cosmetics and tattooing utensils. Works by contemporary artists finally set out in search of a Myanmar modernity.