10 Artistic Experiences to Have in Berlin

Berlin is a mecca for artistic expression and creativity! There are so many great artistic experiences to have in Berlin. With such a deep and horrific history, it’s no wonder that the locals have wanted to break-free, celebrating their independence and the fall of the Berlin Wall with street art and murals representing peace, freedom and political mockery. Over the few decades the art scene has grown immensely from that initial rebellion and with the growing multicultural population.

There’s lots to do in Berlin and lots to experience from an artistic point of view. Don’t get me wrong though, you don’t need to be an artist or painter to appreciate or enjoy these experiences listed below!

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BERLIN: 10 Unique Artistic Experiences

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1. Visit the East Side Gallery

This is most famous gallery in Berlin and is a must-see on any visit! It is an outdoor gallery that takes place on one of the last remaining sections of the Berlin Wall on the East Side. In 1990?, chosen artists were asked to paint murals the entire height (?) of the concrete wall with messages of celebration and peace. Some murals depict political statements and others represent the dark history. The walk along the wall takes approximately 20minutes and its best to go early to beat the crowds.

2. Take A Street Art Workshop

This is a truly unique and fun experience if you’ve ever wanted to try painting graffiti on a wall without being arrested!

A few of the local street artists run workshops on how to create great graffiti art, with an opportunity to paint your own with spray cans onto a section of the original Berlin Wall (located in Mauer Park).

Experiences through AirBNB: With a local street artist – Sylvain, link here.

Experiences through: Berlin City tours / Original Berlin Tours / Alternative Berlin Tours

Cost: Varies between 15EUR TO 60EUR, 2-4hours

3. Explore ‘Dead Chicken Alley’

This small alley next to ‘Cafe Cinema’, is a hidden street art gallery with a store and with two extended galleries in the building at the end. Check out the stairway up to the gallery, entirely collaged with stickers, graffiti tags, murals and posters.

Cost: Free

4. Design Your Own Quirky Jewellery

Visit the quirky one-of-a-kind jewellery shop, Tukuda in Mitte, to pick out trinkets and design your own piece. Like a kid in a candy store there are beads, Pom poms, tassels, cute rubber animals, metal charms, feathers and all sorts of goodies galore to choose from to make up a necklace or earrings. All jewellery is made within the hour by the jewellery makers.

Cost: Depends on the chosen items but can vary for a final piece between 15-80EUR.

5. Shop at a Handmade Market Place

Buying handmade souvenirs from local designers and makers is always more rewarding and unique for both you and the artist. One great place yo find them is to visit the (Mauer Park Flea Market) on every Sunday from 10am. You’ll find illustrators, fashion designers, jewellery makers and craftsman popping up shops selling their wares all made and designed in Berlin.

Cost: Free to attend

6. Walk the Streets of Kreuzberg

This lesser known area has some of the biggest and most photographic street art murals around Berlin. Check out the vibrant (elephant) on ? Street and the ‘Make Love not War’ piece near ?. Stroll back up ? To see some entire houses front and sides painted in giant murals.

Cost: Free

7. Visit the Local Art Galleries

There’s many independent galleries featuring contemporary art from locals and European artists that are worth a visit. The exhibits often showcase never before seen artists with unique and exploratory work.

Here’s two to check out, but there’s plenty more where that came from!

KW Berlin Contemporary Gallery

A top spot for contemporary art, this gallery offers four floors to browse, a courtyard to explore. The exhibitions can include everything from film screenings, workshops, talks and performances. The gallery labels itself more of a create collaboration space, showcasing innovative upcoming and established artists that are inspiring and dynamic.

Address: KW Institute for Contemporary Art, 69 Auguststraße, Berlin, Germany

Cost: 3 EUR

Berlinische Galerie

Voted a top gallery by the locals themselves, this gallery this a beautifully renovated glass factory with high ceilings, criss-crossing staircases and white walls. It showcases a continuous program of new exhibitions and a well curated permanent collection by Berlin Artists from 1870 to present. You may come across artists you have never heard of before, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised after you do.

Address:  Alte Jakobstrasse 124-128, Kreuzberg

Cost: Mondays 4EUR, Concession 5EUR, Adult 8EUR, Free for under 18years

8. Create Fun Memories in a Photoautomat

Want to create your very own photography art in Berlin? Look no further than the infamous Berlin Photoautomats! These urban old skool photo booths are all around the city (usually silver with graffiti on them, but below is a pretty one by the river). You can take 4 photos and then it prints a copy out for you! Be warned though that they don’t give a count down for taking the photo, it just flashes!

Cost: Between 2-4 EUR

9. Take an Urban Sketching Tour

A great way to see the city while creating a personalized souvenir is to walk a bit and stop to sketch a bit! In a creative city like Berlin, why not take a walking tour of the street art with a local artist and then have an urban sketching session with them at locations around the city and one of the cool cafes.

Experiences through AirBNB: with Local Artist, Lujun, link here

10. Watch Street Artists at Work

Watch graffiti street artists practice and experiment with their art like your watching them paint in an open sketchbook. They’ll often be painting on weekends at the Berlin Wall section inside Mauer Park?

Cost: Free

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Now that’s an inspiring city! I hope you’ve enjoyed this post full of Creativity and Adventure including the most unique artistic experiences to have in Berlin!

Also check out my ‘Broke Artist’s Guide to New New York’ for more artistic adventures to be had around the world.

Watch the Berlin Adventure Vlog Below!

Creativity + Adventure Everyday