speeches by amb. coats

(Delivered in German)

Walter Momper,
Ernst Elitz,
Peter Raue and the "Friends of the Neue Nationalgalerie,

Secretary of State Colin Powell has acted as co-patron of “MOMA in Berlin” along with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer. Speaking on behalf of the Secretary, and indeed for the Government of the United States and the American people, I want to express my gratitude to Peter Raue and the "Friends of the Neue Nationalgalerie" and to the others who made this exhibition of masterpieces from the New York Museum of Modern Art took at the Neue Nationalgalerie possible. This was a magnificent example of transatlantic cooperation.

The Museum of Modern Art is famous throughout the world for its unparalleled collection of the “classical” art of the Twentieth Century. MoMA has played a major role in creating the canon of modern art. When the Museum was closed for major renovations, we were delighted that some of the important works from its collection found a temporary home in the Neue Nationalgalerie.

Berlin, like New York, was one of the principal birthplaces of modern art and is now regaining its position as one of the world’s great centers of art and scholarship. "MoMA in Berlin" -- and especially the extraordinary public response -- is a testimony to that revival.

As an American, I am proud of the role we played in this great exhibit, just as I am proud of the role that our commitment to the freedom of West Berlin during the Cold War helped lead to the reunification of Germany and its capital city.

The response to "MoMA in Berlin" is proof of the strong and close ties between the United States and Germany in culture and the arts and in our common engagement on behalf of universal values.

Shortly after the exhibit opened, an article in the European edition of Newsweek entitled "The Art of Diplomacy" talked about MoMA as "the cultural event of the year in Germany" and wrote admiringly of the "American Season" built around it, showcasing American high culture in music, theater and dance. MoMA in Berlin has been a stunning success.

Peter Raie and friends of the Neue Nationalgalerie, we again thank you for making this event possible.