English-Language Tours and Events

This section provides an overview of events and guided tours available in English.

Mitte

• Academy of Arts
  

  Academy of Arts

  The Academy of Arts has been based at Pariser Platz 4 since 1907, with one interruption. The historic parts of the building are among the few fragments on the square that date back to before 1945. They were carefully integrated into the Academy’s new glass building, completed in 2005, and are now listed as historical monuments. The same applies to the picture cellar, which has been open to the public since 2018. The architectural tours provide insights into these places worthy of preservation.

  SATURDAY
  Architectural tour: 5 p.m., starting point: foyer, registration required by Sep 10

  Organiser: Akademie der Künste, Sektion Baukunst
  Contact: [e-mail]
  Location: Pariser Platz 4
  Public transportation: U/S Brandenburger Tor

  Full programme

• Funding area „Lebendiges Zentrum und Quartier“ Nikolaiviertel
  

  Nikolaiviertel

  The Nikolaiviertel is the founding site of Berlin and has been an urban development area since 2021. Its goal is to implement the measures outlined in the Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK) and thus strengthen and further develop the attractiveness and identity of the neighbourhood. The measures are co-financed by urban development funds from the ‘Lebendige Zentren und Quartiere’ (Lively Centres and Neighbourhoods) programme.

  SATURDAY
  Guided tour: 2 p.m., starting point: information desk in front of the Nikolaikirche, registration requested by Sep 12

  Organiser: Bezirksamt Mitte / Jahn, Mack und Partner (Gebietsbeauftragte für das Fördergebiet „Lebendiges Zentrum und Quartier“)
  Contact: [e-mail]
  Location: Nikolaikirchplatz
  Public transportation: U Rotes Rathaus

  Full programme

• Hansaviertel
  

  Hansaviertel

  Nestled in nature, bordering the Großer Tiergarten park and located in the heart of the city, the Hansaviertel district, a listed building from the 1957 Interbau exhibition, offers a unique variety of building and residential styles. The tours organised by the Bürgerverein (citizens’ association) begin with an introduction to the origins of the Hansaviertel district, which was built during the Wilhelminian period, and its destruction during the war. Armed with this information, the walk then takes participants past key buildings designed by renowned architects, explaining the concept behind the Interbau exhibition and the standards of modern living at the time.

  SATURDAY
  Guided tour: History, conception and architecture. 11 a.m., starting point: will be announced upon registration, Daniel de Schryver, registration required by Sep 9

  SUNDAY
  Guided tour: as on Sat

  Organiser: Bürgerverein Hansaviertel e.V.
  Contact: Gabriele Cocozza, [e-mail]
  Location: Hansaplatz
  Public transportation: U Hansaplatz

  Full programme

• PETRI Berlin
  

  Archaeological remains in the basement

  Excavations at Petriplatz in Berlin’s historic centre have uncovered traces of settlements from the founding period of the twin city of Berlin-Cölln, the foundations of a Latin school and the remains of St. Peter’s Church. Today, the Archaeology Lab PETRI Berlin stands directly above the foundations of the medieval Latin school, inviting visitors to discover Berlin’s often hidden heritage and immerse themselves in the fascinating world of archaeology.

  SATURDAY
  Guided tour: Beneath Berlin lies Cölln! 2 and 3 p.m.
  A stroll through time: Archaeology in Berlin-Mitte. 4 p.m.

  SUNDAY
  A stroll through time: Archaeology in Berlin-Mitte. 2 p.m.

  Organiser: PETRI Berlin
  Contact: [e-mail]
  Location: Gertraudenstraße 8
  Public transportation: U Spittelmarkt

  Full programme

• Residential complex Afrikanische Straße
  

  Residential complex Afrikanische Straße

  The residential complex (designed by L. Mies) complements the block edges of the neighbouring Jungfernheide estate (floor plan: H. Dernburg; houses in construction phase 1: F. Arnous; houses in construction phase 2: Mebes & Emmerich). The location is linked to the charging of the surrounding dune landscape with images of Africa beginning around 1800, German colonialism, Fritz Lang’s film ‘Metropolis,’ its former use as a shooting range, and the history of the Nazi labour school gardens. We report about our research.

  SATURDAY
  Online presentation: The Loewenstein Family and Ludwig Mies. 10 a.m., online: https://siedlung-jungfernheide.de/
  No particular app or software required – just bring your favourite internet browser

  Organiser: siedlung jungfernheide berlin – forschungsprojekt
  Contact: 0152-35867901, Jörg Preisendörfer, [e-mail]

  Full programme

• Ruins of the Franciscan monastery
  

  Ruins of the Franciscan monastery church

  The ruins of the Franciscan monastery church are one of the last remaining traces of Berlin’s founding history and are among the city’s most important architectural monuments that are open to the public and used for cultural purposes. Located in the historic and present-day centre of Berlin, it is considered an outstanding monument of medieval architecture. Since 2016, artists and curators have been invited each year to bring the monastery ruins into the light of the present and open up new perspectives.

  SATURDAY
  Opening hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

  SUNDAY
  Opening hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  Guided tour: 4 p.m., starting point: entrance of the ruin, Dr. Maximilian Krämer, registration required by Sep 5

  Organiser: Bezirksamt Mitte, Amt für Weiterbildung und Kultur, Fachbereich Kunst, Kultur und Geschichte
  Contact: Alin Daghestani (programme coordination), [e-mail]
  Location: Klosterstraße 73A
  Public transportation: U Klosterstraße

  Full programme

• Zion Church
  

  Zion Church

  The Zion Church was inaugurated in 1873 on the highest point of what was then Berlin, based on designs by architects Gustav Möller and August Orth, as a votive church commemorating the rescue of Wilhelm I during the Baden assassination attempt. Now over 150 years old, the church has been given a facelift, with the careful interior renovation almost complete. Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Environmental Library in the GDR are part of the history of this vibrant community.

  SATURDAY
  Guided tour: The added value – MehrWert – of the Zion Church is the people, in their solidarity. 4 p.m., starting point: foyer, Clara Brockmann

  SUNDAY
  Guided tour: as on Sat, Horst Edler

  Organiser: Ev. Kirchengemeinde am Weinberg
  Contact: [e-mail]
  Location: Zionskirchplatz
  Public transportation: Tram 1, 12

  Full programme

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

• „Friedhof der Märzgefallenen“
  

  Friedhof der Märzgefallenen

  The “Friedhof der Märzgefallenen” was created specifically by the rebels of the Berlin March Revolution for the dead of 1848. It is therefore not only a unique testimony, but also a product of the revolutionary events. Today, at first glance, it is a modest garden monument on the edge of Volkspark Friedrichshain. But if you look more closely, you will see a multi-layered witness to Berlin’s history, an example of the struggle for freedom that spans the ages.

  SATURDAY
  Drawing Walk: Take a walk with a sketchbook and experience Volkspark Friedrichshain through drawing. 3 p.m., starting point: Spanienkämpferdenkmal, Friedenstraße, Ditte Østergaard, drawing materials are provided, registration required by Sep 12 • Livespeaking: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

  Organiser: Friedhof der Märzgefallenen in cooperation with Paul Singer Verein
  Contact: 030-58739039, Paul Schmitz, [e-mail]
  Location: Ernst-Zinna-Weg 1
  Public transportation: Tram M5, M6, M8

  Full programme

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

• Bonhoeffer House Memorial and Meeting Center
  

  Bonhoeffer House Memorial and Meeting Center

  Built in 1935, the house bears witness to the history of the Bonhoeffer family. The encounter in this topography of resistance challenges us to reflect on civil courage today. This place of learning commemorates the lives of the four members of the family who were murdered in April 1945: the three lawyers Rüdiger Schleicher, Hans von Dohnanyi, Klaus Bonhoeffer and the world-renowned theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His restored study under the roof bears witness to his life and thinking.

  SATURDAY
  Guided tour: “The last responsible question is… how a future generation should continue to live.” 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. as required, starting point: in the house, Arno Helwig and team

  Organiser: Bonhoeffer House Memorial and Meeting Center e.V.
  Contact: 030-94407663, Arno Helwig, [e-mail]
  Location: Marienburger Allee 43
  Public transportation: S Heerstraße

  Full programme

• Former listening station Teufelsberg
  

  Former listening station Teufelsberg

  Teufelsberg, a former Cold War listening station, was designed by Fritz Bornemann in the 1960s and is a symbol of post-war architecture. After the withdrawal of the Allies, it developed into Europe’s largest street art gallery. The new exhibition ‘Declassified’ offers exciting insights into its history. A place where history, art and future knowledge come together.

  SATURDAY
  Opening hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  Guided tours: History of the Teufelsberg. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., registration possible on site

  SUNDAY
  Programme: as on Sat

  Notice: Site not barrier-free – booking of an escort e.g. for wheelchair users possible by prior arrangement – access to the roof terrace via elevator

  Organiser: IGTB GmbH & Co. Investorengemeinschaft Teufelsberg KG
  Contact: [e-mail]
  Location: Teufelsseechaussee 10
  Public transportation: S Grunewald or Heerstraße

  Full programme

• Apartment block Knobelsdorffstraße
  

  Apartment block Knobelsdorffstraße

  The apartment block, built in the expressionist style, was constructed in 1929. The complex was once twice as large and included a large garage. The tour, led by a contemporary witness of the post-war era, provides interesting insights into the architectural, social and transport history of this area. The question of whether this architectural monument could gain ‘added value’ by covering and greening the noisy traffic corridor will also be discussed.

  SATURDAY
  Guided tour: 1 p.m., starting point: Sophie-Charlotten-Straße / Knobelsdorffstraße (south-eastern corner, at the water pump), Detlev Lubjahn, registration requested by e-mail, SMS or WhatsApp

  Organiser: Detlev Lubjahn
  Contact: [e-mail], 0177-543 54 67
  Location: Sophie-Charlotten-Straße / Knobelsdorffstraße 56A-62
  Public transportation: U Kaiserdamm

  Full programme

Steglitz-Zehlendorf

• Student village Schlachtensee
  

  Student village Schlachtensee

  Opened in 1959, the student village Schlachtensee was designed by architects Hermann Fehling, Daniel Gogel and Peter Pfankuch as a listed ensemble of post-war modernism and is a place of German democratic history. Thirty pavilion-like houses form an open campus for almost 1,000 students from over 70 countries. The renovation in line with conservation guidelines is almost complete. The guided tour of the village highlights the architecture, history and everyday life of this unique place.

  SATURDAY
  Guided tour in English: Architecture, History and Everyday Life. 2 p.m., starting point: village square (house 11), Jens-Uwe Köhler

  Organiser: Studentendorf Schlachtensee eG
  Contact: 0157-35808727, Dr. Bettina Widner, [e-mail]
  Location: Wasgenstraße 75 / house 11
  Public transportation: Bus 118

  Full programme

• Villa Heydenreich
  

  Villa Heydenreich

  The three-winged country castle, built in the architectural style of the North German nobility, was constructed between 1914 and 1917 by architects Paulus & Lilloe as a private villa for the merchant Adolf Heydenreich. In 1965, it was acquired by the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Germany. Between 2018 and 2022, it underwent extensive renovation by architect Martin Weißer. The ‘living monument’ opens its doors. Insights into Freemasonry are provided. The lodge house for 25 Masonic lodges with approximately 500 women and men also serves as an event and education centre.

  SATURDAY
  Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Guided tour: Changing values – family home and religious house. 1.30 p.m., starting point: foyer

  SUNDAY
  Programme: as on Sat

  Organiser: Große Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland – Freimaurerorden
  Contact: 030-8417160, Elmar Popitz, [e-mail]
  Location: Peter-Lenné-Straße 1-3
  Public transportation: U Podbielskiallee

  Full programme

Neukölln

• Brewhouse KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art
  

  Brewhouse KINDL

  The former brewery building, now an industrial monument, was built between 1926 and 1930 in the Expressionist style according to a design by architects Hans Claus and Richard Schepke. The brewhouse, with its six huge copper brewing kettles, was partially destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt in the 1950s under the supervision of cinema architect Gerhard Fritsche. Today, the building houses the KINDL Centre for Contemporary Art and Café Babette.

  SATURDAY
  Opening hours: 12 a.m. – 6 p.m.

  SUNDAY
  Opening hours: 12 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Guided tour: Architecture and history of KINDL. 1 p.m., starting point: entrance, Peter Hübert, registration required by Sep 12 online via www.kindl-berlin.de/kunstvermittlung

  Organiser: KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art
  Contact: 030-8321591216 (visitor service), [e-mail]
  Location: Am Sudhaus 3
  Public transportation: U Boddinstraße

  Full programme

• Large housing estate Britz (UNESCO-World Heritage)
  

  Large housing estate Britz

  The Hufeisensiedlung designed by Bruno Taut 1925-30 is a key piece of modernism. It was built in a time of severe housing shortage and established new standards in urban planning. Its mix of Bauhaus-style apartment blocks and colorful row houses bridges the gap between garden city movement and virtuously varied serial construction. In 1998, the listed ensemble of ca. 2,000 units was privatized. In 2008 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This gave birth to various projects.

  SATURDAY
  Guided tour: Large Housing Estate Britz. 5 p.m., starting point: Infostation, Fritz-Reuter-Allee 44, Ben Buschfeld; before 5 p.m. visit of the bilingual exhibiton (designed and written by the guide) possible

  Organiser: Ben Buschfeld
  Contact: [e-mail]
  Location: Fritz-Reuter-Allee 44
  Public transportation: U Blaschkoallee

  Full programme

Treptow-Köpenick

• Eierhäuschen
  

  Eierhäuschen

  The Eierhäuschen was already a popular excursion destination in the 19th century, with an outdoor bowling alley, hundreds of seats along the Spree, its own ferry connection and a venue for music and dancing. After years of neglect, the building has been renovated in recent years in accordance with historic preservation guidelines. In March 2024, the Eierhäuschen reopened its doors: in addition to a beer garden and restaurant, it is now the heart of the Spreepark Art Space – a place for exhibitions, reflection, and artistic production.

  SUNDAY
  Opening hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  Guided tour: History and architecture. 2 p.m., starting point: entrance Spreepark Art Space, Helena Ommert, online registration required at https://gstoo.de/tdod_am_eierhaeuschen
  Introduction to the exhibition: DOOM SNOOZERS. 4 p.m.

  Organiser: Grün Berlin / Spreepark Art Space
  Contact: [e-mail]
  Location: Kiehnwerderallee 2
  Public transportation: S Plänterwald

  Full programme

• Nazi forced labor camp 75/76
  

  Nazi forced labor camp 75/76

  The GBI camp 75/76 in Schöneweide is one of the few remaining Nazi forced labour camps in Berlin. From 1943 onwards, over 2,000 forced labourers were housed here, including Italian military internees and concentration camp prisoners. After the war, the Red Army used the barracks, and later they served the GDR. Since 2006, the site has been home to the Documentation Centre for Nazi Forced Labour. The basement area of barrack 13 is not accessible to wheelchair users.

  SATURDAY
  Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Guided tour: Forgotten Liberation. Forced Labourers in Berlin 1945. 1 p.m., starting point: Barrack 2
  Exhibition and installation

  Organiser: Nazi Forced Labor Documentation Center
  Contact: 030-639028814, Daniel Felleiter, [e-mail]
  Location: Britzer Straße 5
  Public transportation: S Schöneweide

  Full programme

Lichtenberg

• Stasi prison Hohenschönhausen
  

  Stasi prison Hohenschönhausen

  The buildings of the former remand prison of the Ministry for State Security have been listed as historical monuments since 1992. Since 1994, the site has been a memorial where visitors can learn about the forms and consequences of political repression and imprisonment in the former GDR. Former prisoners also serve as ‘contemporary witnesses of history,’ guiding visitors through the basement prison known as the ‘U-Boot’ (submarine), the new prison building, the interrogation wing, and, on special tours, the prison hospital and kitchen.

  SATURDAY
  Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Guided tour: Stasi Prison. 10.40 a.m., 12.40 p.m. and 2.40 p.m., online registration required at https://ticket.stiftung-hsh.de/#/product/event/46

  SUNDAY
  Programme: as on Sa

  Organiser: Stiftung Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen
  Contact: 030-986082456, Ulrike Lippe, [e-mail]
  Location: Genslerstraße 66
  Public transportation: Tram M5, M6, M16 / Bus 256

  Full programme