Boros Foundation (Sammlung Boros) is a private contemporary art collection housed in a five-storey reinforced-concrete air-raid bunker at Reinhardtstraße 20 in Berlin-Mitte. The bunker was built in 1942 by forced labourers to Karl Bonatz’s design. It later served as a Red Army prison, a textile and fruit warehouse in GDR times and a notorious 1990s techno and fetish club. Karen and Christian Boros bought the building in 2003 and opened it in 2008 after a conversion by Realarchitektur. Visitors come for international art from 1990 to the present, shown across 3,000 square metres of raw, windowless rooms.
What to Expect at Boros Foundation
The collection is shown in long-running presentations that change every few years. The fourth presentation opened in 2022 with Anne Imhof, Alicja Kwade, Julian Charrière and Klára Hosnedlová. The current hang includes Tomma Abts, Ed Atkins, Louis Fratino, Cyprien Gaillard, Mire Lee, Jill Mulleady, Pol Taburet, Sung Tieu and Paloma Varga Weisz. The collectors sum up their approach in one line: they collect art they do not understand.
About 80 rooms spread over several levels. Walls up to two metres thick and ceilings cut open to create double-height spaces give each installation its own room. Entry is by guided tour only, in German or English, so you see the building in a small group with a guide who explains both the art and the bunker’s history.
- The bunker itself: Graffiti from the club era and wartime signage survive beside the artworks.
- Current collection presentation: Painting, sculpture and video by about 28 international artists.
- Double-height voids: Floors were cut away so large installations can rise through several storeys.
- Guided tours: Small-group tours combine art interpretation with building history.
- Rooftop penthouse: The Boros family’s private residence sits on the roof; it is not open to visitors but is visible from the street.
Boros Foundation at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Reinhardtstraße 20, 10117 Berlin, Germany |
| Neighborhood / Area | Mitte, near Friedrichstraße |
| Operating Hours | Thu–Sun 10AM–8PM; Mon–Wed closed |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid, guided tour only ($$); book via the official site |
| Recommended Visit Duration | About 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | S+U Friedrichstraße (S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S25, S26, U6); U6 Oranienburger Tor; tram M1 and M5; limited street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | sammlung-boros.de, +49 30 27594065 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book a timed tour online well ahead, because weekend slots often sell out weeks in advance. Bags and coats must be left at the entrance. Photography is generally not allowed inside, so check the current rules when you book. From Friedrichstraße station the bunker is about a 7-minute walk north across the Spree.
Accessibility is limited. The tour climbs many stairs through narrow concrete passages, and step-free access is restricted, so contact the venue in advance if you have mobility needs. Afterwards, walk to the Berliner Ensemble at Schiffbauerdamm, the Museum Island colonnades about 10 minutes east, or the cafés along Oranienburger Straße and Auguststraße.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Boros Foundation open?
It is open Thursday to Sunday from 10AM to 8PM. Thursday and Friday tours tend to be easier to book than weekend slots.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. Admission is by paid guided tour only, booked through the official website. Walk-in places are rarely available.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 90 minutes, including check-in and cloakroom.
Is it suitable for children or wheelchair users?
Because of the many stairs and some mature content, the bunker suits teenagers and adults best. Wheelchair access is restricted, so contact the venue before booking.
When planning a wider itinerary across Berlin or browsing more top-rated art gallery in Berlin, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as Estrel Berlin (7.5 km away).
