In the Middle East, deliberate damage to architecture has been more important in the last decade than it has been the case in the preceding centuries and the destruction of the four sites presented in this exhibition _ Mosul, Aleppo, Palmyra, and Leptis Magna _ caused worldwide concern and outrage.

To develop this exhibition the Institut du monde arabe (IMA, Paris) has joined forces with the start-up Iconem, a pioneer in the digitization of at-risk sites. State-of-the-art virtual reconstructions _ based on extremely accurate 3D models combining images filmed by drones, archeological research and data processed with novel algorithms _ will allow visitors to experience the past, present and future of these iconic cities.

With this exhibition, the Bundeskunsthalle wants to underscore the importance of preserving this universal heritage of all humanity. Curated by Aurelia Clemente-Ruiz.