"Wrapped Reichstag" was one of the most ambitious and iconic projects by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, realized over a span of 24 years, from 1971 to 1995. This monumental work involved wrapping the historic Reichstag building in Berlin with 100,000 square meters of silver fabric and 9.7 miles of blue rope, transforming the structure into a temporary piece of environmental art that captured the world’s attention.

The concept for "Wrapped Reichstag" was first proposed in 1971, but it faced significant political and bureaucratic challenges. Christo and Jeanne-Claude envisioned wrapping the Reichstag as a symbolic gesture representing the reunification of Germany and the reawakening of Berlin as a central cultural hub following the Cold War. Over the next two decades, they lobbied extensively, presenting their proposal to six different presidents of the Bundestag (the German parliament) and facing numerous rejections before finally receiving approval in 1994 (Wikipedia) (Art in Context).

The approval of the project was largely due to the persistent efforts of the artists and the changing political climate following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The project gained crucial support from politicians, including Bundestag President Rita Süssmuth and former Chancellor Helmut Kohl. The final approval was granted by the German parliament after a heated debate and a majority vote in February 1995 (Wikipedia) (Art in Context).

The installation process began in June 1995 and involved a team of 90 professional climbers and 120 installation workers. The silver fabric was specially woven to reflect light and change appearance depending on the weather and time of day, creating a dynamic visual experience. The fabric panels were carefully draped and secured with blue ropes, emphasizing the architectural features of the building while concealing its solidity (Art in Context).

"Wrapped Reichstag" was officially unveiled on June 24, 1995, and remained on display for two weeks. During this period, it attracted millions of visitors from around the world, becoming a symbol of unity and transformation. The project’s temporary nature highlighted themes of ephemerality and the passage of time, key elements in Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s work (Art in Context) (Artnet News).

The significance of "Wrapped Reichstag" extends beyond its visual impact. It marked a moment of historical reflection and celebration for Germany, symbolizing the country’s progress and reunification. The project also demonstrated the power of art to engage with political and cultural contexts, creating a dialogue between past and present. Christo and Jeanne-Claude financed the project entirely through the sale of preparatory sketches and models, maintaining their artistic independence and integrity (Wikipedia) (Art in Context).