Berlinische Galerie is Berlin‘s state museum for modern art, photography and architecture created in the city from 1870 to the present, housed at Alte Jakobstraße 124-128 in Kreuzberg. Founded in 1975 as a citizens’ initiative, it moved in 2004 into a converted 1960s glass warehouse a short walk from the Jewish Museum. Travelers come for its Dada Berlin, Neue Sachlichkeit and Eastern European avant-garde holdings.
What to Expect at Berlinische Galerie
The permanent exhibition Kunst in Berlin 1880-1980 fills the upper floor, reached by two crossing white staircases rising through the central hall. It traces the city’s art from the Berlin Secession, with Lovis Corinth, through Hannah Höch and Raoul Hausmann’s Dada collages, the sharp realism of Otto Dix and George Grosz, and the divided-city art of the postwar decades.
The ground floor hosts changing shows, including recent programs on Lovis Corinth, Jeewi Lee and GDR architect Josef Kaiser. Outside, the forecourt is paved with large yellow letter tiles by artists Fritz Balthaus and Kühn Malvezzi. The building also holds artist archives and a large architecture collection.
- Dada Berlin: Photomontages and documents by Hannah Höch and Raoul Hausmann.
- Neue Sachlichkeit: Portraits and city scenes from Weimar-era Berlin.
- Eastern European Avant-Garde: Works linking Berlin to Hungarian, Polish and Russian modernists.
- Photography Collection: Images of Berlin from the 19th century onward.
- Tactile Access: Touch models, a floor guidance system and an audio guide in the permanent exhibition.
Berlinische Galerie at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Alte Jakobstraße 124-128, 10969 Berlin, Germany |
| Neighborhood / Area | Kreuzberg (Friedrichstadt edge) |
| Operating Hours | Wednesday-Monday 10:00-18:00; closed Tuesday |
| Admission / Price Range | €14 adults, €7 reduced; free under 18; €7 for all on the first Wednesday of the month |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | U6 Kochstraße/Checkpoint Charlie or U1/U6 Hallesches Tor; bus M29 and 248; limited street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | berlinischegalerie.de, +49 30 78902600 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at 10:00 on a weekday and head straight upstairs to the permanent collection, then see the ground-floor exhibitions. Avoid Tuesdays, when the museum is closed. Tickets can be bought online or on site, and a Jewish Museum Berlin ticket earns a discount. Use the cloakroom and lockers for large bags, and finish at Café Dix in the foyer.
The building, all exhibition and event spaces, and Café Dix are wheelchair accessible, with elevators between floors. Nearby, the Jewish Museum Berlin is about five minutes away on Lindenstraße, Checkpoint Charlie is about 10 minutes north, and the Besselpark area and Friedrichstraße cafés make easy pairings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Berlinische Galerie open?
It opens Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00 and is closed on Tuesdays. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.
How much are tickets?
Admission costs €14, or €7 reduced, and is free for visitors under 18. Everyone pays €7 on the first Wednesday of each month, and entry is free for all on 5 December 2026 and 6 January 2027.
How long should I plan?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours to see the permanent collection and one temporary exhibition. Add extra time for Café Dix.
Is it accessible and family friendly?
Yes. The whole museum is step-free, and it offers touch models and a tactile guidance system. Free entry for under-18s makes it an easy choice for families.
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