Best places to visit for arts and culture in Berlin
Berlin boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, from contemporary artwork displayed in a former bunker to the renowned photographic works of Helmut Newton and the iconic graffiti adorning the Berlin Wall.
Berlin is renowned for its dynamic nightlife, but it also offers a diverse and exciting arts and culture scene. As one of the leading cultural destinations in Europe, the city boasts over 200 museums and art collections, ranging from large, publicly-owned institutions to smaller, privately-owned artistic spaces. The most famous of these is Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses five major institutions, including the Pergamonmuseum, dedicated to ancient art and archaeology, and the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), which displays paintings and sculptures from the 19th century, including masterpieces by artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, Adolph Menzel, Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Auguste Renoir.
Additionally, there are several museums in Berlin that delve into the city's complex past, such as the Jewish Museum and the East Berlin Museum, providing insight into the city's divided history. International artists and musicians also frequently flock to Berlin to take part in its thriving contemporary art scene, with spaces such as Sammlung Boros and legendary venues showcasing the finest classical music, such as the Philharmonie Berlin, which is home to the world-famous Berliner Philharmoniker. Here are some of our top recommendations for arts and culture establishments to visit while in Berlin, each offering a unique experience for all to enjoy.
Boros Collection
#FLODown: The Sammlung Boros (Boros Collection), also known as the Boros Bunker,is a former Nazi-era bunker located in the trendy Mitte district of Berlin that now houses a private collection of contemporary art. The structure, originally built in 1942 as a bomb shelter, has been transformed into a luxurious art gallery by Christian and Karen Boros, who also reside in the penthouse of the building.Throughout its history, the bunker has been used as a prison, a banana storeroom, and a techno fetish nightclub. Today, its private collection of contemporary art features works by international artists such as Ai Weiwei, Wolfgang Tillmans, Tracey Emin, and Olafur Eliasson. The collection, which includes 500 pieces and rotates every four years, is only available for viewing by appointment and guided tour, which takes approximately 90 minutes. For art aficionados, the exhibition is a visual feast and the architectural makeover of the venue is simply stunning. While capturing the beauty of the masterpieces through photographs is unfortunately prohibited, it's an experience that will linger in your memories forever! We recommended you book your tour in advance to secure your preferred date.
Location: Reinhardtstrasse 20, 10117 Berlin Germany. Price: Guided tours only, from 18 EUR. Website: sammlung-boros.de.
KW Institute for Contemporary Art
Image: KW Institute for Contemporary Art, December 2018, © MTotoe
#FLODown: The KW Institute for Contemporary Art, also known as Kunst-Werke Berlin, is a leading contemporary art centre in the Berlin art scene. Founded by Klaus Biesenbach, Alexandra Binswanger, Clemens Homburger, Philipp von Doering and Alfonso Rutigliano in a former margarine factory in Berlin's Mitte District. It has significantly contributed to the development of contemporary art in Berlin and has established its presence internationally. The Institute spans over four floors and offers a combined program of workshops, talks, exhibitions, and art-centric events and performances, including organising the Berlin Biennale, which was founded at KW in 1996. The gallery does not have a permanent collection, instead featuring dynamic and cutting-edge temporary exhibitions from emerging and established artists. A highlight of the KW Institute is the idyllic courtyard, which is the perfect place to relax with a drink after viewing an incredible exhibition.
Location: Auguststraße 69, 10117 Berlin. Price: from 8 EUR. Website: kw-berlin.de.
East Side Gallery – Berlin Wall
Image: East Side Gallery, Berlin, Germany , December 2018, © MTotoe
#FLODown: The East Side Gallery is a 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall that is adorned with inspiring artwork by local and international artists. It is the last remaining section of the wall that once divided East and West Berlin for almost 30 years, separating families and communities. After the wall fell in 1990 and Berlin was reunified, artists from around the world flocked to the East Side Gallery to express themselves, turning the wall into a symbol of freedom, featuring powerful political messages. Although some of the artwork at the East Side Gallery have deteriorated over time and others have been covered by graffiti, efforts are being made to preserve and restore them. Despite this, the East Side Gallery remains a must-visit destination for those interested in history and art.
Image: Berlin Wall, "My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love" by artist Dmitri Vrubel, December 2018, © MTotoe
#FLOFavourites: One of the most renowned pieces of art on the East Side Gallery is My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love by artist Dmitri Vrubel. The mural depicts the iconic photograph of a fraternal kiss between former Soviet and East German heads of state, Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker. The photograph was captured by Regis Nossu in 1979 at the 30th anniversary of the German Democratic Republic. The mural has become an iconic symbol of the East Side Gallery.
A short stroll from the Berlin Wall lies the East Side Gallery Wall Museum. The museum offers an interactive exploration of the history and construction of the wall through its 13 rooms, featuring original film footage and interviews from the Cold War era and modern Berlin.
Location: East Side Gallery, Mühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin, Germany. The artwork is located about halfway down the wall and is free to visit.Price: 5/10 EUR Child/ Adult (Discounted entrance with a Berlin welcome Pass). Website: thewallmuseum.com/en/
Helmut Newton Foundation - Museum of Photography
Image: The Helmut Newtown Foundation. Captured by MTotoe
#FLODown: Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the legendary photographer, Helmut Newton, at the breathtaking Helmut Newton Foundation located within the Museum of Photography. Explore a curated selection of his masterful photographs and gain insight into his creative genius through a fascinating display of the cameras he utilised throughout his career. Delve into the personal details of Newton's life and legacy, including intimate letters from leading fashion magazine editors and an intriguing collection of his clothing. Elevate your photography experience to new heights with a visit to the top floor, showcasing a diverse array of international photography, making it an absolute must-visit for photographers and photography enthusiasts alike. Note: The collection of Helmut’s photography on show features a significant amount of nudity.
#FLOFavourite: Visit the museum shop for a tempting collection of exceptional books.
Location: Jebensstraße 2 10623 Berlin, Price: 10 EUR. Free for children under 18 years. Website: helmut-newton-foundation.org
Museum Island
Discover the world-renowned cultural gems of Museum Island in Berlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the rich history and art of the Middle East at the Pergamonmuseum, marvel at the iconic bust of Nefertiti at the Neues Museum, and wander through the world-class collections of the Altes Museum, Altes Nationalgalerie, and Bode-Museum. Don't miss the breathtaking view from the nearby Berlin Cathedral and set aside a full day to fully appreciate this cultural treasure trove. Whether you choose to focus on specific collections or take in the entire island, a visit to Museum Island is an unforgettable experience.
Pergamonmuseum
Image: Pergamon Museum, Museum Island, Berlin, Germany, January 2023. MTotoe
#FLODown: Discover the wonders of ancient civilization at the magnificent Pergamonmuseum, a renowned establishment situated on the iconic Museum Island in Berlin. Submerge yourself in a world of historical marvels as you explore full-scale replicas of antique monumental structures and marvel at the stunning collections of Greek and Roman art, as well as artefacts dating back to 6,000 years from Babylon and Persia. Named after its star attraction, the Pergamon Altar, a breathtaking masterpiece of Hellenistic art crafted between 180-160 B.C, the three-wing museum has been fascinating visitors since its opening in 1930. Unfortunately, it has been closed since 2014 and is expected to remain so until 2025, but don't let that stop you from exploring the rest of the museum's treasures, including the stunning Neo-Babylonian architecture of the Ishtar Gate and Processional Way, and the awe-inspiring facade of the Throne Room from Babylon. Experience one of Berlin's most popular tourist destinations for yourself and make sure to book your tickets in advance.
Location: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany, Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays). Price: from 12 EUR.
The Neues Museum
Image: The Neues Museum, Museum Island, January 2023, MTotoe
#FLODown: The Neues Museum, a classical institution in Berlin, houses a variety of collections from the ancient world spanning from the Paleolithic period to the Middle Ages. It is known as the city's premier Egyptian museum, displaying a range of art, artefacts, statues, vessels, and a noteworthy Papyrus Collection, along with impressive burial chambers from Egypt dating back to around 2500 BC. Additionally, the museum exhibits over 1,500 works of art and culture from 5000 BC to AD 300, including the renowned limestone head of Queen Nefertiti and the Amarna family altar depicting Nefertiti and Pharaoh Echnaton with their three daughters. Other notable exhibits include portrait-masks, a small ebony head of Queen Teje, Echnaton's mother from 1370 BC, the funerary slab of a royal sculptor named Bak and his wife, and works from the Fifth Dynasty from around 2400 BC.
Location: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany. Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays). Price: from 12 EUR.
Altes Museum (Old Museum)
Image: The Altes Museum, Museum Island, Berlin, January 2023, MTotoe
#FLODown: The Altes Museum, designed by architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel and built between 1823 and 1830, was the first museum in Berlin and the centre of Museum Island. Known for its impressive neo-classical architecture, it was a trendsetter well into the 20th century. The museum was originally commissioned to house the art collection of the Prussian royal family. Upon completion, King Friedrich Wilhelm IV designated the northern part of Spree Island (now known as Museum Island) a sanctuary for art and science. The Altes Museum houses a wide range of ancient artefacts from the Greek, Roman and Etruscan eras, including the largest collection of Etruscan art outside of Italy. Visitors are greeted by 18 towering pillars, a rotunda lined with antique sculptures resembling the Pantheon in Rome, and an imposing staircase leading to the different collections. The artworks are displayed chronologically, beginning with Ancient Greece from the 10th century BC to the 1st century BC, followed by a collection of gold and silver jewellery and the Blue Chamber filled with historical coins.
Location: Am Lustgarten 10178 Berlin, Germany. Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays). Price: from 12 EUR.
Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery)
Image: Alte Nationalgalerie, December 2018, MTotoe
#FLODown: The Alte Nationalgalerie is a work of art in itself. Designed by Friedrich August Stüler, it was originally built as a hall for receptions and ceremonial occasions in 1876. Located on Museum Island in Berlin, the Old National Gallery resembles a Corinthian temple and boasts impressive outdoor exhibits, such as a large bronze equestrian statue of Frederick Wilhelm IV from 1886 and notable female figures in its gardens. It is a must-visit for those interested in German painting, with exhibits featuring examples from the Neoclassical and Romantic movements, as well as French Impressionists such as Manet and Monet. The gallery also showcases Modernist works of art from the 19th century by renowned artists including Pierre Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne, Caspar David Friedrich, and landscape painter Carl Blechen. Additionally, numerous German artworks and sculptures are featured, including von Menzel's famous The Iron Rolling Mill (Eisenwalzwerk) and Johann Gottfried Schadow's double statue of Princesses Louise and Frederica of Prussia.
Location: Bodestrasse 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany. Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays). Price: from 12 EUR.
Bode Museum
Image: The Bode Museum, Musuem Island Berlin, November 2021, Moises Gonzalez
#FLODown: The Bode Museum, established in 1904 as a ‘Sanctuary of Art and Science,’ houses the Sculpture Collection and Museum of Byzantine Art, as well as the Coin Cabinet (Münzkabinett), one of the largest coin collections in the world. The museum's Great Dome features a bronze cast of Schlüter's statue of the Great Elector on horseback and four large sandstone figures in the entrance hall, also sculpted by Schlüter in 1712. Under the Little Dome are two groups by sculptor Adriaen de Vries. The sculpture collection includes fine pieces from Germany, Venice, and Florence spanning the Romantic to Early Classical periods. Location: Am Kupfergruben, 10117 Berlin, Germany. Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays). Price: from 12 EUR.
Illuseum Berlin
Image: Illuseum Berlin, January 2023, MTotoe
#FLODown: Escape into a mesmerising world of illusions and stimulation at Illuseum Berlin, an interactive museum located in the vibrant heart of the city. With exhibits that blend education and entertainment, this museum invites visitors of all ages to explore a realm of infinite space and awe-inspiring illusions. Immerse yourself in a sensory journey that will captivate your mind and challenge your perceptions of reality. Whether you're a young adventurer or a seasoned explorer, Illusuem Berlin promises a day filled with wonder and amazement, proving that it's never too late to be inspired by the magic of optical illusions.
Location: Illuseum Berlin, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 9, 10178 Berlin. Opening hours: Daily 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. Price: 8EUR/ 12 EUR children/adults.
Philharmonie Berlin (Berliner Philharmoniker)
Image: Martha Argerich and Daniel Barenboim with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, January 2023, MTotoe
#FLODown: The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, or Berliner Philharmoniker, is renowned as one of the finest orchestras in the world. Performing within the walls of the historic Berliner Philharmonie, a timeless architectural masterpiece designed by Hans Scharoun, this prestigious ensemble brings music to life in a venue situated on the stunning outskirts of Tiergarten Park. With its warm honey-coloured exterior and two acoustically impeccable concert halls, the Berliner Philharmonie stands tall as a prominent symbol of Berlin's cultural legacy. The main auditorium envelops audiences with its unique terraced seating design that perfectly wraps around the central stage, providing a truly intimate concert experience.
Tickets to witness the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra's musical prowess can be difficult to come by, as they tend to sell out at lightning speed, so we recommend booking in advance. You can also take advantage of the weekly free lunchtime concerts, featuring talented members of the orchestra and other local ensembles, held every Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the foyer of the Berliner Philharmonie from September to June. Click here to discover upcoming concerts.
Image: Daniel Barenboim and Martha Argerich at Philharmonie Berlin, January 2023, MTotoe
On a memorable night, we had the privilege of attending a once-in-a-lifetime performance by the incomparable Martha Argerich and Daniel Barenboim. This historic concert marked the first time the two renowned musicians, who have known each other since their childhood, took the stage together at the Berliner Philharmoniker. The program included Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto, one of the pianist’s favourite works, and Daniel Barenboim also conducted Johannes Brahms’ Second Symphony. Click here to watch it.
Location: Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, 10785 Berlin, Germany. Website: berliner-philharmoniker.de/
The Hamburger Bahnhof - Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart
Image: The Hamburger Bahnhof - Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart, March 2022, MTotoe
#FLODown: The Hamburger Bahnhof - Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart is an art museum housed in a 19th-century railway station located by the Nordhafen River. The repurposed space now features a comprehensive collection of contemporary art from the 1950s to the present. The collection is anchored by the Marx Collection, from Berlin entrepreneur Dr. Erich Marx. Visitors can see notable works such as Andy Warhol's silk-screened portrait of Chairman Mao and Joseph Beuys' thought-provoking Tram Stop or Straßenbahnhaltestelle, an installation that is based on Beuys' childhood memories of a tram stop in Kleve on Nassauer Allee. The impressive space also has guest exhibitions, education and outreach programs and regular events.
Location: Invalidenstraße 50-51, 10557 Berlin, Germany. Price: from 12 EUR.
Jewish Museum Berlin
Image: Architecture of Daniel Libeskind in the Jewish museum in Berlin, Inga Mucke
#FLODown: The Jewish Museum Berlin is one of the largest museums of its kind in Europe and features exhibits on German-Jewish history and culture spanning a period of 2,000 years. The collections on display include rare documents, ceremonial objects, paintings, photos, sculptures, rare books, scripts and textiles. The museum covers Jewish life in medieval settlements along the Rhine, as well as the Baroque period, and has particularly poignant displays dealing with life under the Nazis and post-war experiences.
Location: Lindenstrasse 9-14, 10969 Berlin, Germany. Open hours: Daily 10 am - 7pm. Price: Free (Temporary exhibitions from 8 EUR). Website: jmberlin.de/en
Urban Nation Museum for Urban Contemporary Art
Image: © Urban Nation
#FLODown: In 2017, the Urban Nation Museum for Urban Contemporary Art opened in Berlin as the first German museum dedicated to urban art. The museum is located in a converted residential building in the Schöneberg neighbourhood, known for its graffiti murals. The museum's façade is a constantly changing canvas for street art and inside, the modern tri-level space features an exhibition of almost 150 works by well-known street artists. The museum not only displays street art, but it also becomes a work of art itself by providing a platform for artists from around the world to use its façade as a canvas. These works are periodically changed and new works added to the museum's collection. Famous street artists such as David de La Mano, Ben Eine, Cyrcle, and D*Face have contributed to the museum.
Location: Bülowstraße 7, 10783 Berlin, Germany. Website: https://urban-nation.com/. Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm. Price: Free
KINDL - Centre for Contemporary Art
Image: KINDL
#FLODown:KINDL is a unique museum located in the former Kindl brewery, a 1920s red-brick structure with a boiler house, powerhouse, and brew house. The museum features rotating themed group shows and an annual site-specific piece created by a single artist, such as a full-sized spinning plane in the boiler house. KINDL also has a café and seasonal beer garden. The freshly renovated powerhouse serves as a more traditional white cube gallery space, but with unconventional elements like a glass cabin and huge crane on the first floor, and an impressive view of the city from the top floor. The museum is located in the Neukölln district, known for its edgy bars and unique cultural scene.
Location: Am Sudhaus 3, 12053 Berlin, Germany. Opening hours: Wed-Sun: 12.00-18.00. Price: from 5 EUR/concessions available. Website: kindl-berlin.de/
Spreepark
Image: Spreepark, Berlin, Jaromír Kavan
#FLODown: Step back in time and experience the eerie beauty of Spreepark, a once thriving amusement park now left to crumble in the heart of Planterwald Berlin. Opened in 1969 and closed its doors in 2002, this abandoned wonderland has become a popular attraction for those seeking a glimpse into the past. With its overgrown vegetation, toppled dinosaurs, and rusted roller coasters, it's like a scene straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. But now, for the first time in years, visitors can legally explore the abandoned park on guided tours, available for booking on the official Spreepark website. Join a 75-minute journey for just 5 euros and discover the most iconic photo spots of the park. Beginning in April 2023, English-language tours will be offered every weekend. And with plans to reopen the park in 2026, this is a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Spreepark before it's transformed back into a bustling park once again. Click here to discover more.
Location: Kiehnwerderallee 1-3, 12437 Berlin, Germany. Website: spreepark.berlin/en/
