Thanks to a thriving and bold artistic community with subversive attitude to spare, Berlin has proven itself a world capital of contemporary art for decades. Since the fall of the Wall in 1989, artists from all backgrounds have been transforming the city’s forgotten spaces into workshops, galleries, and collectives. On this 3-hour Berlin art tour, we will join a local curator, arts writer, or artist for a broad introduction to the diverse, cutting-edge, and experimental art scene that has brought Berlin international fame.

With a multitude of museums (from the giants of Museum Island to lesser-known gems), over 300 established contemporary art galleries, and an ever-expanding network of temporary spaces throughout the city, Berlin has clearly established itself as a cultural and creative capital of Europe. In order to find the pulse of the city’s scene, we will spend our walk on Auguststrasse. The original core of Berlin’s artistic community in the early 1990s, it is now home to some of the city’s most prestigious galleries. 

In the company of a Context guide—a practicing artist or curator familiar with the scene—we will make our way along Auguststrasse and through its side streets, visiting some of the city's most venerated spaces. Our itinerary will be guided by the current exhibitions as well as our guide’s knowledge of the galleries’ strengths and weaknesses. We'll also tackle some broader questions about the functions of the best art galleries in Berlin.

This walk isn't simply a sequence of contemporary galleries, but also explores the history of Berlin as a capital for contemporary art and how its vibrant community of artists shapes the city. We will consider the hype that keeps drawing people here and talk about the many artist-run initiatives and community art spaces that shape the cultural landscape.

Together, we'll see what makes the gallery scene in Berlin different from other art meccas such as New York, Paris, or London. True to its chaotic and revolutionary origins, the Berlin scene is constantly expanding, re-inventing itself, and pushing the purview of contemporary art.

Is this tour available during the summer?
Due to gallery closures in July and August, we aren't able to offer this walk in the summer.