Te Papa to Berlin

Discover the inspiring journey of Ken Gorbey in 'Te Papa to Berlin,' a compelling narrative detailing his monumental role in transforming cultural institutions. This paperback book, measuring 150 x 230 mm with 280 pages, offers a riveting insider perspective on the groundbreaking development of Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum. Follow Gorbey’s remarkable story as he undertakes the challenging mission to revitalize the Jewish Museum Berlin, once on the brink of failure. Through visionary leadership and an inexperienced yet dedicated team, Gorbey guides the revitalization of this cultural gem, now celebrated as one of Germany's foremost cultural institutions. With insights into cultural identity and social healing, 'Te Papa to Berlin' explores how museums can reconcile difficult histories and facilitate healing. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of major shifts in museum practices and the significant impact of effective leadership in the museum sector. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in museum studies, cultural development, and the interplay of art and history as tools for societal change. Be inspired by this unique story of resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of cultural institutions.

Author: KEN GORBEY Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm
Pages: 280


Ken Gorbey is a remarkable man who for 15 years was involved with developing and realising the revolutionary cultural concept that became Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand. Then in 1999 he was headhunted by W. Michael Blumenthal to salvage the Jewish Museum Berlin, which was failing and fast becoming a national embarrassment. Led by Gorbey, a young, inexperienced staff, facing impossible deadlines, rose to the challenge and the museum, housed in Daniel Libeskind’s lightning-bolt design, opened to acclaim. As Blumenthal writes in the foreword: ‘I can no longer remember what possessed me to seriously consider actually reaching out to this fabled Kiwi as a possible answer to my increasingly serious dilemma …’ but the notion paid off and today the JMB is one of Germany’s premier cultural institutions. Te Papa to Berlin is a great story - a lively insider perspective about cultural identity and nation building, about how museums can act as healing social instruments by reconciling dark and difficult histories, and about major shifts in museum thinking and practice over time. It is also about the difference that can be made by a visionary and highly effective leader and team builder.