THE BERLIN KULTURFORUM
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The Berlin Kulturforum, with its museums, concert halls, libraries and institutes, is one of the most important cultural sites of Germany. Many well-known and unique institutions are located here, including the New National Gallery, designed by architect Mies van der Rohe, and the Philharmonie and Chamber Music Hall - home of the famous Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as the Neue Staatsbibliothek (Berlin State Library) with its sensational reading room and, last but not least, the Gemäldegalerie, which has one of the most important collections of old masters worldwide.
Easy to find
The Kulturforum is located in the heart of Berlin near Potsdamer Platz. It is within walking distance of many tourist attractions, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, and the government district with the Reichstag (the seat of the German Parliament) and the Chancellery (the seat of the German Chancellor) - the political heart of Germany. It is also within easy reach of the streets Unter den Linden and Friedrichsstraße.
As the cultural centre of former West Berlin, the Kulturforum played an important part in the city´s postwar history. Highly promoted, and located near the Berlin Wall, it was also a political symbol of West Berlin´s growth and vitality in hard times. Its urban design is still in line with the original plans of architect Hans Scharoun in the 1960s. In the ´60s, Potsdamer Platz and the octagonal Leipziger Platz, which were not renovated until the 1990s, were wasteland ruthlessly divided in half by the Wall. Thus the Kulturforum site, more than many other places in Berlin, is a testimony to the period before German reunification, which is why a visit to the area is a fascinating leap in time.
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The department store Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus offers long opening times and a great range of music and literature. In addition, it is worth visiting because of the extensive free program of readings and book launches, and the vertical garden designed by the artist Patrick Blanc!
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WHAT INSTITUTIONS ARE PART OF THE KULTURFORUM ?
Learn more about the institutions at the Kulturforum and click on the buildings in the aerial picture below - or choose an institution from the list below:
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source: SenStadt Berlin, 2005 (foto: Dirk Laubner)
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Site
The Kulturforum in the centre of Berlin is situated directly at Potsdamer Platz and is only a stone´s throw away from Pariser Platz and the political heart of Germany with the seat of the German parliament and chancellor.
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© Copyright Euro-Cities AG
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History
Here you can read more about history and planning of the site since the beginning of the 20th century (only in german language).
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Special Events
... more reasons to visit the Kulturforum
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360° Panoramic views
Make an individual walk over the Kulturforum or look inside the Philharmonie of Berlin. The 360° panoramic tour was produced by www.begehungen.de.
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Fotocontest 2007
Here we show you the pictures of the Kulturforum-fotocontest 2007.
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Opening Hours
Opening Hours of the State Museums of Berlin (SMB), amongst others: New National Gallery, Gemäldegalerie, Museum of Decorative Arts
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Concerts in the Philharmonie
Due to the good acoustics the design was copied in many concert halls.
NEWSLETTER (in german)
WEBSITE OF THE BERLINER PHILHARMONIKER
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EVENTS NEAR THE KULTURFORUM
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Daimler Art Collection
In the "Weinhaus Huth" at Potsdamer Platz are shown the new acquisitions as well as the best pieces of the in all 1.800 artworks comprising private collection.
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Museum für Film und Fernsehen
In the "museum for movie and television" the great moments of film are shown. In addition to the permanent exhibition special exhibitions are regularly shown with changing issues.
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Martin-Gropius-Bau
The building Martin-Gropius-Bau close to the Potsdamer Platz belongs to the superb locations for large special exhibitions in Berlin.
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Bauhaus-Archiv
The Bauhaus-archive gives an insight into the famous school of architecture, design and art of the 20th century.
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Berlin from the air
Enjoy a truly breathtaking view from the giant balloon (rising above Checkpoint Charlie) all across the City of Berlin.
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museum passport Berlin
Order your museum ticket at the onlineshop of "visitberlin" for 19 Euro. The 3-Day-Ticket is valid for all national museums (not valid for special exhibitions).
visitberlin-onlineshop
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BERLIN INFORMATION
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For comprehensive information about Berlin we recommend the following papers:
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MUSEUMSPORTAL BERLIN
In January 2008 the new website
www.museumsportal-berlin.de was inaugurated. Here you find comprehensive information about all museums in Berlin.
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MuseumsJournal (subscr. 27,60 € / year)
Quarterly, the MuseumsJournal guides through one of the most significant cultural landscapes. Among the regular occurences the calendar surveys special exhibitions, events and guides, adresses and opening hours, as well.
Moreover, the MuseumsJournal reports about museum politics and everyday life, shows up the future developments and perspectives, focuses on key issues of art and cultural history.
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Tagesspiegel
The newspaper Tagesspiegel (Daily Mirror) is one of the most comprehensive daily papers of Berlin.
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zitty
In a very entertaining way the magazine zitty gives comprehensive insights into in all 14 days and nights of the metropolis.
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Berlin Programm
Every month since 1950, the booklet Berlin Programm outlines the upcoming highlights of the city.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
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