50 Years of the Friends of the Dahlem Estate

Perspectives on Volunteer Work for the Dahlem Estate

Im Mittelpunkt der Ausstellung stehen Interviewaufnahmen mit Zeitzeug:innen, die auf Video-Screens präsentiert werden.

Fest auf der Domäne Dahlem, 1970er Jahre, Fotografie, 11,8 x 30,6 cm, © Domäne Dahlem

To mark the anniversary, the exhibition “50 Years of the Friends of Domäne Dahlem: Perspectives on Volunteer Work for Domäne Dahlem,” held in the Baroque Hall of the manor house, highlights the role that civic engagement has played since 1976 in the creation, development, and current significance of Domäne Dahlem—and continues to play to this day.

The focus is on recorded interviews with eyewitnesses, which are presented on video screens. Founding members, former and current board members, and volunteers share their personal motivations, their dedication, and their memories. These voices are complemented by historical objects, photographs, and documents that bring 50 years of the association’s and the estate’s history to life. Exhibition panels in the outdoor area round out the exhibition.

The narrative begins on October 7, 1976, when 33 dedicated individuals gathered right here, in the Baroque Hall of the manor house, to found the association “Friends of the Dahlem Estate.” They opposed the threatened development of the estate’s fields and successfully advocated for the preservation of the historic estate and the establishment of an open-air museum. In the first twenty years after its founding, the association served as the managing body for the Dahlem Estate, organized events, developed agricultural operations, and established the site as a museum. This ongoing professionalization culminated in 1995 with the incorporation of the Dahlem Estate into the Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin.

The exhibition traces this history up to the present day:

Even today, Domäne Dahlem thrives thanks to the volunteer efforts of over 100 people—in the museum, in agriculture, in working and interest groups, and in educational programs. Their dedication shapes Domäne Dahlem as an open space for education and community engagement that is freely accessible to all and deeply rooted in urban society.

The exhibition is intended as a tribute to this commitment and as an invitation to explore the diverse perspectives that have shaped Domäne Dahlem over the past five decades.Translated with DeepL

Runtime: Sun, 11/10/2026 to Sun, 02/05/2027

Price info: These admission prices apply to the CULINARIUM. A donation is requested for entering the premises.

Price: €5.00

Reduced price: €3.00

Reduced price info: Free admission for children and young people up to the age of 18 as well as schoolchildren, students and trainees.

Takes place here:

• Domäne Dahlem