Focus on Contemporary Photography
This half day experience delves into the new and thrilling art scene of contemporary East Berlin and explore its creative evolution since the fall of the Wall. Ever-evolving and decidedly off-beat, Berlin’s East End is a work in progress. Walking amidst famous eastern architecture we'll breath in the area’s history as we witness this up-and-coming district’s recent transformation from an industrial wasteland to an edgy, highly artistic neighborhood. We will explore the FAHRBEREITSCHAFT, a historic complex that formerly housed the East German Ministry of Transportation, which has since been transformed into one of Berlin’s most exciting spaces of artistic and creative production. Here we will experience one of Germany’s most important private contemporary art collections first-hand and visit a cutting-edge artist’s studio, where we will learn about contemporary fine art photography, while reflecting on Berlin’s diverse architecture, rich history, and unique creative spaces.
Areas We’ll Visit
Starting our journey in the former German Democratic Republic district of Berlin-Mitte we’ll visit the VOLKSBÜHNE, one of Germany’s most established theatres notorious for it's innovative and outlandish theater productions. From there we will head to a leading contemporary art gallery, where we will get an in-depth look at works of art from a gallerist’s perspective. Next, we’ll head to the creative space of a leading European art magazine, where we’ll get a critical take on Berlin’s contemporary art scene. From there we’ll move on to the HAUS DER STATISTIK, an institution dedicated to putting the GDR into historical context. Here we will also learn about Berlin’s newest art collectives and numerous grassroots cultural projects. After that we will hop on one of Berlin’s famous trams to dive deeper into the city’s East End. Along the way we will explore some of the East’s most iconic cultural institutions, including the city’s beloved Vietnamese markets. Then we’ll head to the FAHRBEREITSCHAFT, which houses the esteemed HAUBROK ART COLLECTION, as well as a bevy of artists’ studios and visionary, artist-run companies. Here we’ll visit and learn about each of these creative spaces, sip champagne, and meet the pioneering forces behind this up-and-coming district. Digging into the area’s past, we’ll witness its ongoing evolution in real-time, while teasing out its future trajectory.
