Sensational blockbuster exhibitions are admired for their ability to attract the public, but also dismissed as nothing but marketing events. These types of presentations transform the experience of art into cultural spectacle, turning museums into event zones. This publication is the first to take a careful look at the blockbuster as a phenomenon in the art world, and it inquires into what makes these gigantic shows so successful, what they do to museums, and how they alter our perception of art. The book discusses the spectacular shows that have caused a furor in recent years, allowing the people behind these large-scale events to speak for themselves. Above all, it analyzes the elements that make the blockbuster such a successful format in the first place—from star artists and their works to sponsors and clever marketing campaigns. Language: German