Walter Benjamin et l'Institut National de l'Histoire d'Art
Walter Benjamin was a German philosopher, cultural critic, and writer. He was born in 1892 and died in 1940. He was one of the leading intellectuals of the 20th century and is best known for his essays on literature, culture, and politics. The Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art (INHA) is a French research institution focused on the history of art and architecture. It was founded in 1991 and is based in Paris, France.
Walter Benjamin conducted research at the Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art (INHA) in Paris during the 1930s. He was particularly interested in the arcades of 19th-century Paris, and he studied the architecture, the urban planning, and the cultural history of these structures. He used his research in the INHA to inform his unfinished book, "Passagen-Werk," which was later published posthumously as "The Arcades Project." In this work, Benjamin sought to analyze the cultural and historical significance of the arcades and the ways in which they reflected broader trends in modernity and capitalism.
"The Arcades Project" is considered one of Walter Benjamin's major works, and it remains highly influential in the fields of cultural and intellectual history, critical theory, and architecture. The book is known for its innovative approach to history and its extensive use of fragments and quotations to create a montage-like structure. Through his analysis of the arcades, Benjamin sought to reveal the hidden connections and underlying patterns that structure modern experience, and he used this analysis to reflect on the broader themes of urbanism, consumerism, and mass culture.
Despite its unfinished state, "The Arcades Project" has been widely read and discussed, and it continues to be an important source of inspiration for scholars and intellectuals working in a variety of fields. It is regarded as a landmark work in the development of critical theory and as a testament to Walter Benjamin's innovative approach to cultural and intellectual history.
In conclusion, "The Arcades Project" remains one of Walter Benjamin's most important and influential works, and its impact can still be felt in contemporary cultural and intellectual discourse. The book's innovative approach to history and its fragmented structure continue to inspire scholars and artists, and it remains an essential text for anyone interested in critical theory, cultural studies, and the history of modernity.
So, why did Benjamin study here? Walter Benjamin studied at the Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art (INHA) in Paris in the 1930s because he was interested in the arcades of 19th-century Paris, which were covered walkways that housed shops and other commercial establishments. The arcades were a key feature of the modern city, and they represented the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and cultural history.
Benjamin saw the arcades as a microcosm of modernity, and he sought to analyze their cultural and historical significance as a way of understanding broader trends in modern life. He was interested in the ways in which the arcades reflected the transformation of the city in the wake of industrialization and the rise of consumer culture, and he saw them as a site of both the alienation and the liberation of the individual.
In short, Walter Benjamin studied at the INHA because he believed that the arcades held valuable insights into the nature of modernity and the ways in which the city was being transformed by the forces of industrialization and capitalism. He sought to use his research in the INHA to inform his larger project, "The Arcades Project," which aimed to analyze the cultural and historical significance of the arcades and the broader trends they reflected.
Although Benjamin failed to complete this work, he ended his life in 1940. But spending time in here every day, I still feel the breath and 'Aura' he would have exhaled. It's very interesting for me to think about the relationship between a past senior researcher and the historical but still ongoing laboratory. So, I tryed to imagine Benjamin's day in that era and composed his day diary.
February 13, 1923
Today was a day of great excitement and inspiration. I, Walter Benjamin, had the privilege of visiting the Institution nationale d'histoire de l'art (INHA) to continue my research on the culture and consumption of the modern city.
8:00 AM
I awoke feeling refreshed and eager to begin my day at INHA. I made my way to the grand building located in the heart of the 1st district of Paris, surrounded by the bustling street scene of the city.
9:00 AM
Upon entering the building, I was struck by the magnificent architecture of INHA. This esteemed institution was founded in 1825 with the aim of promoting the study and preservation of the arts and was a hub for researchers and intellectuals from around the world.
10:00 AM
I arrived at the library and was immediately impressed by the wealth of knowledge available to me. The reading room was bustling with fellow researchers, all absorbed in their work and eager to further their understanding of the arts.
12:00 PM
I took a break from my research to explore the exhibitions and collections at INHA. The artworks on display were truly awe-inspiring and I felt as though I was gaining a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities.
2:00 PM
I returned to the library to continue my research, feeling more focused and inspired than ever before. The atmosphere in the reading room was electric, with ideas and theories being discussed and debated among the researchers.
5:00 PM
As the sun began to set, I realized that the day had flown by and it was time to make my way back to my lodgings. I felt a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment knowing that my day at INHA had been productive and enriching.
In conclusion, today was a truly wonderful day and I am grateful for the opportunity to study at INHA. This formative institution holds a special place in the history of art and I am honored to be a part of its legacy. I am already looking forward to my next visit and continuing my work there.
Walter Benjamin à Paris
