Urban Nation is a contemporary museum housed in a two storey building situated in the corner of Bülowstraße and Zietenstraße that is painted with large murals and paintings on the outside. With its ever-growing collection of contemporary and street art, Urban Nation has bought about a revolution in the local art scene and has built an establishment where the artists and art enthusiasts in the city can connect. Various exhibitions organized here feature artwork curated by the expert panel of international artists that choose only the best artwork from across the globe keeping the quality of exhibits always high.
Berlin has its fair share of weird but wonderful tourist attractions, Designpanoptikum is a less known example of this. The exhibits here are bizarre and outlandish in the best possible ways and immediately transport you to a world caught between dreams and Willy Wonka's workshop. The whimsical collection is privately owned by Vlad Korneev, an artist in his own right. He is usually around to assist you with explanations, view points and sometimes, to help you draw your own conclusions. Step in, give that imagination of yours a thorough workout.
The garden Volkspark Friedrichshain lends its name to Friedrichshain and is situated at the northern end of this prominent Berlin neighborhood. Friedrichshain is bordered by other city districts like Lichtenberg, Kreuzberg, Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, and the River Spree in the south. It was initially known for its low real estate prices and attracted numerous youngsters looking for inexpensive accommodation. Today, it has seen a rapid increase in housing rates and is known as one of the trendiest districts in the city. It is the hub of fashionable boutiques, design studios and media houses and its streets are dotted with bars, restaurants and cafés. This borough is especially known for its happening nightlife. Popular tourist attractions in the area include East Side Gallery, Frankfurter Tor and the Molecule Man sculpture.
Germany's most recognizable symbol is not as large as many visitors expect, yet its history is rich and fascinating. Built in 1791, the Brandenburg Gate was modeled on the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens. The Quadriga statue on top of the Gate, designed by sculptor Gottfried Schadow, represents Victoria, the Goddess of Peace, riding a four-horse chariot. This was one of Berlin's original 14 city gates, yet the only remaining evidence of the other gates are the names of underground stations such as Kottbusser Tor and Schlesisches Tor. The Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz have played center stage to numerous turbulent historical events. The south wing houses a tourist information office.
Throughout the centuries, many churches have stood on the location of the current Berliner Dom. The first one was erected in 1465 for the reigning royal family, the Hohenzollern, and was little more than a chapel at that time. In 1747, it was replaced by a Baroque cathedral designed by Johann Boumann, before being transformed once again in 1822 by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Today's Dom was built between 1894 and 1905 during King Wilhelm II's reign. Almost completely destroyed in World War II, the Berliner Dom remained a ruin until restoration work finally began in 1973. Some of the cathedral's highlights include the mosaics covering the cupola, the crypt, the altar and the altar windows. The Dom also enshrines over 80 members of the Hohenzollern family. Those visiting must take a look at the Sauer organ within the cathedral, one of the largest in Germany, and take in the views from the roof promenade.
Museum Island is located on the northern half of a historically-significant island in the Spree River that runs through Berlin. The island takes its name from the five Berlin State Museums that reside in the area - the Altes Museum, the Bode Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Neues Museum, and the Pergamon Museum. Museum Island was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. The island's first museum was erected in 1797, and the whole area was designated specifically for art and science by King Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1841. An assemblage of spectacular historical monuments, the Museum Island is a stunning heritage hub.
Musikschule is nothing but the 'school of music' as it literally states. In accordance with its name, the school functions as a teaching ground for the various genres in music. The school has a few locations in the city and one such school is located near the Berlin airport. Professional guidance is extended to music in order to enhance their knowledge as well as talent. To serve the purpose further, the school plays host to such cultural events too, which define music in a better way to its students. Basically Musikschule is learning with entertainment.
Gotischer Saal in der Zitadelle is one of the many event venues inside the historic 15th-century building. Weddings and other intimate events are regularly organized at this venue apart from the wide range of classical concerts. The brick-exposed walls and pillars at this venue add to the overall rustic ambiance. The adjoining foyer area of Gotischer Saal in der Zitadelle can also be rented for bigger events.
Evangelische St.-Laurentius-Stadtkirche is an important Protestant church of Berlin. Replacing a 13th-century basilica, the current church was built in 1838 and inaugurated on May 31, 1841. The church was designed by Friedrich Wilhelm Butzke and features distinguished components such as two-story arched windows, a dominant tower, nave, and vaults. The interiors of the church also display intricate details that are fascinating to look at. Since 1977, the church falls under the monument protection act.
The Ziegeleisee lake in northern Berlin is a popular outdoor recreation spot among locals for its clear waters, beautiful natural surroundings and white sandy beaches. It is an ideal place for a nice summer swim, boating or simply lazing around in the sun. Mowed lawns with large shady trees provide peaceful picnic spots for families while youngsters can enjoy a game of beach volleyball, soccer or table tennis in the recreation center on the beach. Snacks and drinks are available at stalls and cafes near the lakes.