Berlinische Galerie
The Berlinische Galerie, located in the lively district of Kreuzberg, is home to a unique mix of diverse art forms such as painting, sculpture and photography. What is special about the collection is that it specialises in works of art that have been created in Berlin since 1870. Core themes include Dada Berlin and the New Objectivity. Changing special exhibitions, a lively events programme and the cosy Café Dix round off the museum experience and make the Berlinische Galerie a must for all Berlin fans.
Berlin art in a former industrial warehouse
The museum building of the Berlinische Galerie alone is worth a visit for lovers of architecture. The collections are housed in a former glass warehouse from the 1960s, which architect Jörg Fricke converted into an airy exhibition hall achieving optimum use of space and high functionality. Sculptures, paintings, graphics, installations and photographs, as well as the extensive artist archives that manage the documentary bequests of Berlin artists, can be found over two levels with a total area of 4,600m² – an impressive cross-section of Berlin's art scene ranging from the end of the 19th century to the present day. The Eberhard Roters Hall is used for special exhibitions, a spacious study hall is available for research work and varying art courses take place in the Atelier Bunter Jakob. In front of the museum, the creatively designed gardens invite you to linger.
History of the Berlinische Galerie
The Berlinische Galerie was launched by a private citizens' initiative in 1975. At first, the association exhibited in various cultural institutions, such as the Academy of Arts, before moving into its own building in the Landwehr (national army) mess in 1978. In 1986, the constantly growing collection moved to the Martin-Gropius-Bau and in 1994 was recognised as a foundation under public law. The Berlinische Galerie had to move out of the Martin-Gropius-Bau again in 1998 due to renovation works. Only on 22nd October 2004 did the gallery obtain a permanent place when after one year of reconstruction an industrial building built in 1965 near the Jewish Museum was opened as the new home of the Berlinische Galerie. Today, the Friends’ Association of the Berlinische Galerie is dedicated to provenance research and awards various art prizes as well as the Thomas Friedrich Scholarship for Research in Photography.
Core themes of the collection and opening hours
The core themes include Dada Berlin (from 1916), the New Objectivity of the 1920s, Eastern European avant-garde as well as art surrounding the division and reunification of Berlin. The opening hours of the Berlinische Galerie are Wednesdays to Mondays from 10am to 6pm. The gallery is closed on Tuesdays.
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