For art-lovers, there’s nowhere like Berlin. The German capital is brimming with museums and galleries featuring work from world-famous artists and young up-and-comers from around the globe. If you want to sample some of Berlin’s stellar art scene, these five galleries are a great start.
C/O Berlin
With an eye for photography, C/O Berlin is the perfect choice for those looking to view works by luminaries such as Anton Corbijn and Stephen Shore. The gallery was formerly housed in the old royal post office, but is now in the Amerika Haus building, itself an old passport office with a long history predating the Berlin Wall. In addition to its excellently curated collection, C/O Berlin also hosts workshops and education programs. On any given day, there’s something special to see at C/O Berlin.
www.co-berlin.org
Carlier Gebauer
Carlier Gebauer was founded in 1991 by Ulrich Gebauer in order to promote international contemporary art and has since become one of Germany’s most significant art galleries with a setup on par with the best museums. With exhibits by artists such as Sara Barker and Erik Schmidt, it’s no wonder Carlier Gebauer has a reputation for prestige.
Carlier Gebauer is located in Berlin’s gallery district near Kochstrasse station and features a special projection area as well as a large exhibition space.
www.carliergebauer.com
Contemporary Fine Arts
Contemporary Fine Arts was founded by Bruno Brunnet, Nicole Hackert and Philipp Haverkampf in 1992 and focuses on exciting German and international artists including Juergen Teller, Johnathan Meese and Sarah Lucas. One of Berlin’s most-recognized art spaces, the space is a must-see for those who want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the art world. The gallery itself is beautiful in its minimalism and rewards visitors with a stunning view of Pergamon Museum.
Located on Museum Island, its location is very handy for those looking to spend a day gazing at art (and munching at food stalls).
www.cfa-berlin.de
Konig Galerie
Johann Konig opened this gallery at the age of 21 in 2002, and one of its first exhibitions was a wrecking ball that would destroy parts of the gallery as soon as someone stepped inside — which is typical of the eccentric and playful art you’ll find at Konig Galerie.
Located in one of the buildings at the Brutalist-style St. Agnes Church, Konig Galerie is a staple at art week events and fairs around Europe and is in close proximity to the gallery district. In addition to the gallery, the former church will also soon house more art spaces and eateries, making it an all-in-one stop for visitors.
www.koeniggalerie.com
Sammlung Boros Collection
Housed inside a former World War II bunker (which had also been previously used as a banana depot and prison), Sammlung Boros is Berlin’s most exclusive gallery. The collection can only be viewed via appointment and only on weekends, due to the fact that just 12 people can safely go inside at a time.
Sammlung Boros displays more than 150 works of art in a beautifully historic space that is sure to leave its mark on any visitors, just as its fun, abstract works of art will also impress. It’s been said that collectors Christian and Karen Boros will only buy a piece in the year it was made, so you can bet you’ll be seeing some of the most current art around. If you want to see the past and future of the city collide, make Sammlung Boros one of your stops.
www.sammlung-boros.de
