Where to see modern art in Berlin
Berlin is a paradise for art lovers! But where can you see modern art in Berlin. Is there a Berlin modern art museum? Not really, no. Because in fact there are several modern art museums in Berlin. Below I’ve listed three of my favourite places to see modern art in Berlin. From Pop Art to street art to the cutting edge, let’s go!
Giant tentacles in the Martin Gropius Bau by Yayoi Kusama, 2021
Hamburger Bahnhof
In a beautiful 19th-Century former train station you will find an exquisite collection of post-1960 modern art, including works by Andy Warhol. Easy to find, right next to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and has a great cafe to boot.
The Hamburger Bahnhof is just around the corner from Berlin’s main train station, Hauptbahnhof. You can easily cross the street to get there, or access the museum using the M10 tram.
Bullet holes and shrapnel damage on the 19th Century facade of the Martin Gropius Bau
Martin-Gropius-Bau
Built as a museum in 1881 and named after the architect who (co-)designed it, the Martin Gropius Bau is one of Berlin’s most beautiful buildings. Look out for WWII damage strewn across the outside of the building including the eerie decapitated statues on the way in.
The Martin-Gropius-Bau is my favourite place to see modern art in Berlin. It has no permanent collection, so check online what’s happening while you’re here. Book tickets in advance if you can. Popular exhibitions often sell out fast.
Urban Nation
Street art is so ingrained in Berlin’s culture that the state made it official: we have a street art museum in Berlin! See what Berlin and the world’s best street artists can do when they don’t have to do everything illegally.
Urban nation is free to enter. Exhibitions change regularly, and they will close for a week or two between shows, to make sure to double-check it’s open before you visit!
