Germany to post stamp of approval for museum

It is slated to have its opening gala Sept. 9.

The abstract design on the stamp depicts the new museum building of architect Daniel Libeskind.

The building, which represents a broken star of David, is covered in gray zinc panels pierced by jagged windows. Libeskind has described it as both a "tortuous line" and "an emblem of hope."

Since the building opened to great critical acclaim in February 1999, it has drawn some 350,000 visitors -- even though no exhibits were yet on display.

The stamp was chosen by a jury from 10 entries and will go on sale Sept. 5.

The stamp has yet to be unveiled.

But one person who has seen the stamp said it has the effect of "lightning, in the emotional sense. I knew about the museum before, but the stamp made me think about" what the museum's creators are trying to accomplish.

"It is not just a museum. It is a work of art."