Berlin Art Guide 2025: World-class art exhibitions in Berlin museums

Berlin, a city where history and modernity merge, will once again be a mecca for art lovers from all over the world in 2025. From groundbreaking contemporary art to classical masterpieces – the art scene of the German capital is bursting with diversity.

Find out here which highlights you absolutely shouldn't miss. The following exhibitions are among the most exciting Berlin art events of the season.

01 New National Gallery: Onward to new horizons

The newly renovated Neue Nationalgalerie will host a spectacular exhibition entitled " Horizons of Modernity" The focus will be on installations and digital artworks that explore the intersection of technology and art. Renowned artists such as Nan Goldin , Gerhard Richter , Olafur Eliasson , Yayoi Kusama , and Cao Fei will be represented.

A visit is worthwhile not only for art connoisseurs – according to a study by the Berlin Tourist Office, the gallery's exhibitions attracted over 400,000 visitors in 2024. The building's clean, modern architecture, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, provides an impressive backdrop for contemporary art.

Where: Potsdamer Straße 50, 10785 Berlin

Here are our exhibition highlights for the current season:

1.1 Nan Goldin – This Will Not End Well

The retrospective at the Neue Nationalgalerie offers, for the first time, a multifaceted and profound insight into the artistic work of Nan Goldin , spanning four decades from 1980 to the present. Her diverse bodies of work are impressively presented in the form of slideshows and films, housed in pavilions designed Hala Wardé

Each of these impressive “structures” is harmoniously integrated into its respective series of works, contributing to a sense of community that captivates visitors. Following successful openings in Stockholm and Amsterdam, this remarkable exhibition is now in Berlin before continuing its journey to Milan and Paris.

When : until April 6, 2025

1.2 A breaking point. Art between politics and society

The exhibition examines the tensions and reorientations in 20th-century visual art, triggered by pivotal social events such as the Holocaust, the Cold War, and the women's liberation movement. At its heart is Günter Brus 1970 performance, in which he subjected himself to extreme physical challenges.

, divided into 14 chapters, addresses key themes including realism versus abstraction , politics and identity, and feminism and ecology. It comprises a diverse collection of paintings, objects, photographs, and videos from West Germany, East Germany, Western Europe, and the USA, as well as works from former socialist states.

Artists such as Marina Abramović, Joseph Beuys and Andy Warhol are shown alongside lesser-known female artists such as Kiki Kogelnik and Ewa Partum , whose works have not previously been represented in the National Gallery.

When : until September 28, 2025

1.3 Gerhard Richter. 100 Works for Berlin

The exhibition at the Neue Nationalgalerie presents for the first time the long-term loan from the Gerhard Richter Art Foundation . At its heart is the impressive cycle “Birkenau” (2014), consisting of four large-format abstract paintings that reflect Richter’s intense engagement with the Holocaust. Based on photographs from Auschwitz-Birkenau, the artist transferred these images using charcoal and oil paint, subsequently abstracting them further. The work is complemented by a four-part mirror that invites the viewer to reflect.

In addition, nearly 90 further works by Richter from various creative periods since the 1980s on display, including remarkable pieces such as "Occupied House" (1989) and "4900 Colors" (2007). This presentation was developed in close collaboration with the artist, with future exhibitions planned in new contexts through interventions by other artists.

When : until September 2026

Tip for online visits: While visiting exhibitions in person is a very special experience, it's simply not possible to be physically present at every important event in the world. But you can visit exhibitions online and, even if only partially, gain significant new experiences and emotions.

But don't forget to protect your privacy to prevent hacking or surveillance. Furthermore, a good VPN can protect against identity theft and easily bypass regional restrictions.

02 Gropius Bau: Important exhibition building in Kreuzberg

In the heart of Berlin's vibrant city stands the Gropius Bau , an architectural masterpiece and lively venue that attracts art lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. This internationally renowned exhibition hall has established itself as a central meeting point where art is not only displayed but also experienced and discussed.

Here, a multitude of exhibitions unfold, encompassing both large solo presentations and impressive performances by contemporary artists.

The Gropius Bau not only provides space for visual artworks, but also fosters a lively exchange and dialogue among visitors. Through carefully curated events, a space is created where local voices can engage in a fruitful exchange with global perspectives. 

Every event at the Gropius Bau is an invitation to discover the diversity of artistic expression.

Particularly exciting: Interactive workshops allow visitors to get creative themselves. In 2024, the Gropius Bau attracted around 350,000 visitors – a number that will likely be surpassed next year.

Where: Niederkirchnerstraße 7, 10963 Berlin

2.1 CONSTRUCTION – A playground for children

Playing, laughing, and letting loose – all this is possible at the Gropius Bau exhibition center. With BAUBAU, artist Kerstin Brätsch has created a free play space for children where creativity and exploration take center stage. Colorful wallpaper and a variety of "loose parts" offer children the opportunity to design their own spaces without any fixed guidelines.

This pilot project started in early September 2024 and is continuously being developed to offer children a space shaped by their ideas.

Following the example of Palle Nielsen and Gunilla Lundahl's "The Model," BAUBAU breaks with the rules of traditional art institutions. Children are invited to explore a space that encourages play and discovery. Designed by Kerstin Brätsch, the environment combines elements of earlier works in new forms and materials. Wallpapers, fabrics, and furniture are populated with dinosaurs, fantastical creatures, and abstract motifs , creating a creative space for free play.

When : until the end of January 2025. Reopening then in March 2025.

2.2 Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind

From spring 2025, the comprehensive solo exhibition “YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND” focus on the work of the artist and activist Yoko Ono. This extraordinary exhibition presents over 200 exhibits spanning seven decades and impressively illustrates the development of Ono’s innovative, interdisciplinary work.

From instructions and notations to installations, films and music, to photographs – every work illuminates Ono's radical approach to language, art and participation, the influence of which can still be felt today.

In cooperation with Tate Modern in London, the Gropius Bau in Berlin and the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Düsseldorf, this exhibition will not only make the diversity of Ono's work tangible, but also encourage a deep engagement with her vision. 

When : from April 11th to August 31st, 2025

03 Berlinische Galerie: Rediscovering Modern Art

The Berlinische Galerie presents a fascinating interdisciplinary collection that unites fine art, architecture, photography, and drawing. It masterfully balances a clear local focus—with artworks created directly in Berlin—with international relevance that extends far beyond the city limits. The artistic highlights encompass important movements such as Dada Berlin, New Objectivity, the Eastern European avant-garde, and the art of divided and reunited Berlin.

In addition to its impressive permanent exhibition "Art in Berlin 1880–1980," the museum regularly invites visitors to delve deeper into the diversity of artistic expression through varied special exhibitions. Here, historical contexts and contemporary perspectives meet, making a visit an exciting journey of discovery.

With the introduction of digital audio guides last year, visitor satisfaction increased by 30%.

Tip: Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Kreuzberg neighborhood to perfectly round off the day.

Where: Alte Jakobstraße 124-128, 10969 Berlin

3.1 Retrospective: The Dawn of Modernity

From October 2022, the Stadtmuseum Berlin will present twelve important works of classical modernism, including paintings by artists such as Lovis Corinth, Edvard Munch and Max Beckmann , in the Berlinische Galerie.

This exhibition is being created in the context of extensive renovations at the Märkisches Museum, which will be closed for four years starting in 2023. The aim is to promote the accessibility and exchange of collections. The selected exhibits are part of the permanent exhibition "Art in Berlin 1880-1980" and reflect the Berlin art scene at the beginning of the 20th century, which was decisively shaped by these outstanding artists.

When: until autumn 2026

3.2 Raoul Hausmann. 1886 – 1971

Raoul Hausmann is one of the most influential avant-garde artists of classical modernism, whose art was inextricably intertwined with his life. He strove to transcend the familiar and constantly shape the "tomorrow," which made him a pioneering multidisciplinary artist. As a Dadaist, he is considered a co-founder of collage, developed synesthetic devices, and explored the relationships between body, sound, and space in performance art. Furthermore, in his photography, he combined seeing and tactile sensations and questioned conventional ways of life.

The comprehensive retrospective at the Berlinische Galerie presents around 200 works from national and international collections and illuminates Hausmann's influence on subsequent generations within the context of current discourses. His later work from his time in France after emigrating from Nazi Germany is also recognized thanks to the support of the Musée d'art contemporain de la Haute-Vienne Château de Rochechouart and is part of this important exhibition.

When: from November 8, 2025 to March 16, 2026

04 KW Institute for Contemporary Art: Berlin in transition

The KW Institute for Contemporary Art is a major Berlin institution and a destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike in the Mitte district. Founded by Klaus Biesenbach with the exhibition "37 Rooms" in 1992, the institute has become a key player in the international art scene. Since its restoration in 1999, it has presented outstanding artists such as Jake and Dinos Chapman and Matthew Barney, while also addressing politically charged topics, as seen in the 2012 Berlin Biennale curated by Artur Zmijewski.

In addition to spacious exhibition rooms, the listed building offers artists living and working facilities as well as regular lectures and discussion events that round off the cultural offerings.

Where: Auguststrasse 69, 10117  Berlin

BPA// Exhibition 2024: Half-Light

Young, emerging artists showcase their perspectives on the constant transformation of the metropolis. Sculptures, photographs, and immersive installations invite contemplation. With over 400 galleries in Berlin, KW offers a vital space for experimental contemporary art. Allow ample time to fully engage with these often provocative works.

The exhibition is complemented by a variety of essays: each artist has asked a writer of their choice to reflect on their work. The collected texts are available in the KW bookstore. In addition, a public program of guided tours and performances allows for a more in-depth exploration of the artists' working methods.

Tip: If you are abroad or absent during a trade fair, you usually have the option of participating online. With VeePN , you don't have to worry about regional restrictions or potential security risks from public Wi-Fi networks. This way, you won't miss the event and can still actively participate and gain valuable insights.

When: until 05.01.25

05 Boros Collection: Minimalism meets history

Hidden in a former bunker, the Boros Collection a unique atmosphere for modern art.

The Boros Collection is an outstanding private collection of contemporary art, encompassing works by internationally renowned artists from 1990 to the present day. In an artfully converted bunker, parts of this impressive collection, curated by Karen and Christian Boros, are made accessible to the public in rotating exhibitions across a generous 3,000 square meter space.

Each presentation offers not only visual experiences but also thematic explanations that allow visitors to gain deeper insights into the world of contemporary art. 

Note: Entry is only possible with prior registration. A 2024 study found that 92% of visitors cited the exceptional atmosphere as the main reason for their visit.

06 Hamburger Bahnhof – Mark Bradford: Keep Walking

This exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of race, gender, and economic injustice, as well as the resilience people develop in the face of these challenges. With a total of 20 impressive installations, it engages both the mind and the senses of visitors.

Bradford's abstract compositions powerfully reveal the lived reality of Black people in America. Composed of carefully selected objects based on his personal childhood experiences in Los Angeles, they offer an authentic and moving glimpse into his perspective.

Where: Hamburger Bahnhof, Invalidenstr. 50, Mitte

When: until 18.05.25

07 The Wall: Before, After, East and West (Berliner Volksbank)

The exhibition illuminates the multifaceted influence of the Berlin Wall on art and society and presents remarkable works from the art collection of the Berliner Volksbank. Through the vivid juxtaposition of perspectives from both sides of the dividing line, the exhibition offers a profound and moving exploration of this pivotal chapter in our history.

The Max Liebermann House, which once served as a border zone, provides the ideal setting for this important reflection on division and reunification. This event invites you to discover the multifaceted stories behind the artworks and to engage with Berlin's formative past.

Where: Brandenburg Gate Foundation, Max Liebermann House, Pariser Platz 7, Mitte

When: until 02.03.25

08 Blown Away: the Palace of the Republic (Humboldt Forum)

The site where the Humboldt Forum now majestically stands was once the "People's Palace" of the GDR – an important place for political events and representative public life, which also served as a vibrant center for entertainment.

On an area of ​​1,400 square meters at this historically significant site, the multifaceted impact and profound significance of this urban development are brought to life. Here, the diverse tasks, functions, and influences are vividly portrayed – intertwined with the memories that have shaped generations.

Where: Humboldt Forum, Schloßplatz, 10178 Berlin

When: until 16.02.25

09 Dream on – Berlin, the 90s (C/O Berlin)

The Berlin Wall, a crucial symbol of division, existed for 28 years. It represented not only a physical barrier but also a steel curtain that profoundly shaped the lives and identities of people on both sides. With the fall of the Wall in 1989, Berlin faced sudden challenges: While on one side there was a feeling of political awakening and euphoria, on the other side fears of social injustice and questions about their own identity were omnipresent.

In this tense context, seven photographers from East Germany founded the renowned photo agency OSTKREUZ. They created a remarkable body of documentary work that reflects the complex realities of this era.

To mark the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, this impressive collection is presented and invites visitors to engage with Berlin's eventful history and its cultural repercussions.

Where: C/O Berlin, Amerika-Haus, Hardenbergstraße 22-24, 10623 Berlin

When: until 23.01.25

10 Alte Nationalgalerie: Monet and the Impressionist Cityscape

This is an exceptionally compact yet fascinating exhibition that represents a significant turning point in the history of Impressionism: In 1867, Claude Monet the vibrant city of Paris as an inspiring subject and created his first three impressive depictions of this metropolis.

"city" developed into a central element in Impressionist art, reaching its zenith in the groundbreaking works of Henri Matisse. The Alte Nationalgalerie now has the unique opportunity to unite not only the three masterpieces by Claude Monet, but also 17 additional remarkable Impressionist cityscapes in an outstanding presentation.

Where: Alte Nationalgalerie, Bodestraße, 10178 Berlin

When: until 26.01.25

11 Berlin, Berlin. 20 years of the Helmut Newton Foundation (Museum of Photography)

The Helmut Newton Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary! The exhibition's title alone reveals much about the outstanding photographic art presented at the Museum of Photography by numerous renowned photographers, including Helmut Newton and Barbara Klemm. These impressive works offer fascinating insights into the artists' unique perspectives on Berlin.

In this special year, as we commemorate the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Berlin Wall takes on a central and recurring significance, prompting reflection and bringing the city's history to life.

Where: Museum of Photography, Jebensstraße 2, 10623 Berlin

When: until 16.02.25

12  EMOP Berlin – European Month of Photography

March 2025 will be a major highlight in the field of photography in Germany, with the opening of the Biennale festival. Museums, exhibition spaces, memorials, cultural institutions, and art schools will present the impressive works of both emerging talents and established photographers.

This multifaceted festival offers not only a wide variety of exhibitions but also a diverse supporting program that immerses visitors in the world of photography. Given the alarming and challenging global political situation, the central theme for 2025 is "What Stands Between Us" .

This topic encourages reflection on interpersonal relationships and societal barriers, and creates space for meaningful discussions.

Where: Various art and cultural venues in Berlin

When: from March 1st to March 31st , 2025

Why Berlin remains an art hotspot

Berlin is not only the capital of Germany, but also a global hub for art and culture. With over 500 exhibitions annually and more than three million art tourists per year, the city proves its magnetic appeal.

From renowned institutions to small, independent galleries – the diversity is unparalleled. According to a report by the Berlin Senate, approximately 22% more funding was allocated to the arts scene in 2024. This demonstrates that the city continues to invest in its creative future.

Practical tips for your visit

To help you enjoy your Berlin Art Season highlights without stress, here are some quick recommendations:

• Plan ahead: Especially with the Boros collection, timely reservation is essential.
• Take advantage of the Berlin Welcomecard: With this pass you receive discounts on admission prices to many museums.
• Public transport: The BVG offers excellent connections to all major art venues.

Closing remarks

The art exhibitions in Berlin in 2025 offer far more than just visual impressions – they tell stories, invite reflection, and provide lasting inspiration. Whether at the Neue Nationalgalerie or the Boros Collection: each exhibition is a window into another world.