Everything began with an unexpected phone call and a testament. The Bauhaus-Archiv learned that it had inherited the estate of the artist Jak R. Maier. But who was Jak R. Maier? And how did we end up inheriting his estate? What does it mean to assume responsibility for and make decisions about other people’s personal things?

The exhibition “Unpacking Jak R. Maier” is the first to show and examine the artistic and private estate of the Berlin-based artist. At four stations in the exhibition, original sculptures and documents make Jak R. Maier’s life and works tangible. Interactive elements and various media shed light on usually non-public museum collection practices and connected questions. Videos show the unpacking and inventory process of the Maier estate and a shadow play with Maier’s works invites you to challenge your perception – with a little reward if you find the solution!