During the 1930s and 1940s, the Nazis banned and burned many books they considered ‘subversive.’ Namely, books written by authors of Jewish descent and books that represented ideologies opposed to Nazism were banned. Now, some eight decades later, these censored books are honored with a monument.
In 2017, the Argentinian artist Marta Minujin installed the Parthenon of Books in Kassel, Germany. The art piece was part of the Documenta 14 art festival. It is an architectural replica of the Parthenon in Athens covered entirely by censored books. Working with students from Kassel University, the artist identified 170 books from around the world that were banned in some countries but continued to circulate freely in others. The public was asked to bring their own volumes of these texts, which were then wrapped in protective plastic and hung from the structure.
The symbolism is striking, as "the original Parthenon stands for the ideals of the world’s first democracy," the artist said in a statement. The location is significant too. The Parthenon of Books stands where 2,000 books were burned during a Nazi-led campaign. By presenting censored literature in this way, Minujin made a statement on the power of the written word and the importance of freedom of thought.
When the exhibition ran its course in September 2017, all the donated books were returned to their donors around the world. Take a look at Minujin's evocative and impressive work.
Incredible Piano Performance of Schumann’s Sonata No. 2
Listen to the incredibly talented and award-winning pianist Tiffany Poon play a lovely rendition to Schumann’s Sonata No. 2
These Great Illustrations Are Very Telling of Modern Life
Here are 15 incredible works of art by the talented Marco Melgrati, which will leave you with plenty of food for thought.
Unbelievable Talent: 5 Unforgettable Dance Performances
Although these dance performances are from different genres, they all have one thing in common: the wow factor. These talented dancers will leave you in awe...
If You Love Classical Music, You MUST Hear This Pianist
When it comes to musical talent, it doesn't get better than Yuja Wang. Enjoy this lovely performance by the famed classical pianist.
A Moving Performance: Violinist Hilary Hahn Playing Bach
Hahn is considered one of the finest solo violinists of her generation, and her rendition of Bach's proves her tremendous talent.
16 Unforgettable Tracks By Nat King Cole
Celebrate the beautiful music of one of the most influential jazz pianists and vocalists in history - Nat King Cole.
Elton John’s Hits Absolutely Stand the Test of Time
Sometimes music is all you need to make your day better! Enjoy these timeless hits by Elton John.
Stunning! These Pencil Drawings Look Like Photographs
Emanuele Dascanio is a true master of his craft, creating incredibly realistic graphite pencil and charcoal portraits.
8 Nostalgic Dance Moves that Took the World by Storm
Do you remember the Jitterbug of the 20's, or the Twist of the late 50's and early 60's? Looking back at the moves that hit it big back then, made me think back to a time gone by.
I Can Guarantee You've Never Seen a Ballet Like This One...
This world famous ballet dancer has taken it upon himself to create an almost perfect new ballet dance.
Watch a Talented Young Dancer Turn the World Upside Down!
Veronika Khistova is only 14 in this video, but she makes everyone laugh with her upside-down dancer routine!
This Performance Took Me Back to a Joyous Time in My Life
Have a listen to this beautiful song...
INTERACTIVE: 12 of the Most Beautiful Classical Pieces...
By exploring this interactive image you can experience stunning interpretations of timeless melodies, both classic and contemporary. Just click on these keys and watch the magic unfold!
What a Fantastically Creative Musical Performance!
The Piano Guys do it again with this mix of classical and modern music that creates an unforgettable performance.
Smile as These 2 Prove You're Never Too Old to Dance!
If you think you're too old to dance, then you'd better think again!
You'll Be Amazed By What Can Be Done With Simple Paper...
Stunning Collection of Paper Artists and their Creations!
Could You Believe This Art Is Carved Out of a Pumpkin?
The pumpkins are not your typical Halloween pumpkin carving.
This Rope Jumping Act Takes it to an Entirely New Level
Watch as these Chinese acrobats somersault over skipping ropes in mid-air. This is not for the faint of heart!
This Version of Hallelujah is So Serene and Special
Violin prodigy Karolina Protsenko and the talented saxophonist Daniele Vitale joined forces, in this incredible duet of Leonard Cohen’s classic ‘Hallelujah'
You Just Don't See This Kind of Act Anymore... Bravo!
This fantastic mime act uses an unorthodox second head to lure you into an amusing performance!
Never Judge a Book By Its Cover!
Opera meets pop when 17-year-old Jonathan and 16-year-old Charlotte sing together. But can the duo convince Britain's Got Talent Judges they are true talent?
This John Lennon Song Reminds Me it's Good to Be Older
This beautiful presentation takes us through the annals of "Borrowed Time" - a great and meaningful song by John Lennon.
The Shocking Hidden Secrets of 7 World Famous Paintings
Even paintings that have been seen for hundreds of years can reveal long lost secrets. These 7 mysteries have finally been cracked.
This Talented Cellist Invites to Hear Some TImless Music!
Prepare to be enthralled by special renditions of timeless classics Cellist Stefan Hause.
This Quintet Sings Old Sea Medleys So Beautifully...
Watch as they perform 5 medleys: Wellerman, Drunken Sailor, Cape Cod Girls, and Santiana.
Look Closer! There's More to These Birds Than Meets the Eye
These bright and beautiful birds are actually made of paper!
These Beautiful Works of Art Are Made With Natural Things
James Brunt loves walking in nature, but he chooses to beautify it even further by creating works of art that blend in with their surroundings. Take a look.
Will this Acrobat Blow Your Minds as Well?
Watch Kai Ho's dangerous and skilled acrobatic performance.
If You Love Clint Eastwood, You'll Love This Performance
The Danish National Symphony Orchestra create a fantastic experience with their performance of the song from the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
I Bet You've Never Seen a Dance Like This Before...
Using unique technology and superb dance moves, pole dancer and mother Kristy Sellars will amaze you as she did everyone on Australia's Got Talent
This Greek Ballet will Have You Dancing & Shouting 'Opa!'
Zorba the Greek is one of my favorite tunes, it really gets me in the dancing mood the way it builds up that riveting Greek tempo. And what ballet it inspires!
This Hungarian Artist Has Perfected the Art of Lace Work
Agnes Herczeg, a Hungarian artist, creates artwork using lace. Some of her best works can be seen here.
This Chinese Wushu Mass Performance is Absolutely Awesome
It's Spring festival 2019, and in China they are doing an incredible Wushu Shaolin performance.
Have You Ever Seen a Card Trick as Good as THIS One?
This magician's card tricks will leave you wondering how he managed to pull them off.
Could You Believe This Art Was Made Out of a Bar of Soap?
Barresi discovered all that he could do with a simple bar of soap.
See Old America Like Never Before With These Vintage Maps
A look at some glorious vintage illustrated maps from 19th century America that gives a great look of the country from back in the day.
When the Erhu Is Playing, Everyone Stops to Listen
A beautiful and touching Erhu Performance. Is there a more beautiful sounding instrument than this? We don't think so!
More Harm Than Good: The Worst Art Restoration Attempts
This video is about to show you the very amusing (to us) and worst art restoration attempts in history.
10 Fantasy Movies Both Kids and Adults Should Watch
Now is your chance to experience the magical and captivating stories that emerge when humans, elves, monsters, and dragons come together.
What May Seem Like Ordinary Paper Is Much More to This Man
Take a look at Ken's breathtaking work which features jellyfish, nautilus and flowers:
Cake Making Like THIS Is A Beautiful Art!
You can have some great fun baking, but you probably haven't tried to bake a cake that doubles as a work of art before. Here are 30+ examples to inspire you!
This Romantic Dance Duo Routine Will Give You The Chills...
A perfect dance by the dance couple, Duo Flame, that will leave you breathless.
I've Never Seen Anything Like These Cakes. I'm Dumbfounded.
These cake submissions from an online competition are more amazing than I would have ever imagined.
The Bolshoi Ballet Group Have Done It Again!
If you love ballet, then we have one marvelous treat in store for you!
This Interpretative Dance Made Me Scream With Laughter!
Watch David Armand ridiculously mime Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now,' while a couple of audience members try to guess the song. Hilarious!
The Most Gorgeous Animal Paintings in History – 16 Pics
Explore the beauty of animals in these amazing paintings from over the years.
Il Divo's Astound All With Their Elvis Presley Tribute
Male vocal group Il Divo give Elvis the respect his songs deserve.