When Berlin was united in 1990, many Germans were equally united
in not wanting this city to become too powerful. Their fears
were understandable but have proved unfounded. Berlin is again
the German capital, but of a federal republic inoculated against
centralism. It has undergone extensive reconstruction, yet it
remains poor, with no industry and an insolvent city government.
Its problem now is, How can it demonstrate that it really is the
new Berlin? The answer may lie in old Berlin's one useful
legacy. Because culture was a propaganda weapon, both West and
East Berlin created huge cultural infrastructures, bequeathing
no fewer than 3 opera houses, 8 orchestras, 17 theaters and 17
museums. Maintaining the performing arts became an immense
burden to the united city, but the visual arts offered hope: the
city's collections were fused, curatorial staffs joined forces,
and a reorganization of galleries began.