Martin-Gropius-Bau

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Originally built in 1881 as an arts and crafts museum, and now home to some of the best international traveling exhibitions of art and photography, the Martin Gropius building itself is a visual treasure. Built in the Renaissance style, with a soaring atrium and intricate mosaics, the structure was designed by Martin Gropius (great uncle of Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus movement) along with Heino Schmieden.

Following World War I, the Museum of Ethnology could be found within its ornate walls. After heavy bombing in 1945, the building was left in ruins. In 1966, it was classified as a historical monument, but restoration did not begin until the late 1970’s.

Now restored to its former glory, the Martin Gropius Bau serves as a space for diverse temporary shows from the artistically staged photographs of Cindy Sherman to the ancient Buddha sculptures of Pakistan. An easy walk from Potsdamer Platz, the elegant palatial building also hosts a well-stocked gift and book shop that’s worth a visit.