A puppet theater with a difference, Das Weite Theater puts up an interesting repertoire to thrill people of all ages. From folklore and popular stories for kids to thought-provoking and experimental pieces for adults, the theater has made a name for itself in Berlin's performing arts scene. The theater runs a packed roster of performances throughout the year, with shows for kids as young as three to ones specifically targeted at young adults. Besides performances, Das Weite Theater also offers programs for those keen on taking up puppet theater.
Cumbancha Salsa Tanzschule is a lively dance school that opened its doors in 2010. They offer bootcamps and lessons to amateur and trained dancers in various latin dance forms like salsa, bachata, mambo and chachacha. They also help organize events like dance workshops and fun dance parties.
A delight to behold, Schloss Paretz is a neoclassical marvel that belonged to King Friedrich Wilhelm III. Built in the 18th Century, the castle is characterized by its red-shingled roof and white and cream painted walls. The manor, which was once occupied by the Red Army, is now used as a museum showcasing the tasteful interiors for all tourists. Other than the grand building, the castle also has a large, lush garden which is great for a little stroll.
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.
Situated within the bright yellow Villa Lassen, the Gerhard-Hauptmann-Museum is a touching tribute to the brilliant German author Gerhard Hauptmann and his literary gems. In four separate rooms, you can trace the history of the man from his humble beginnings to how he became such an influential cultural figure, dissection of his works as well as memorabilia from his living quarters. Of course, some familiarity with his works is required to fully appreciate the exhibits but even if you are clueless, the manor itself is fascinating to look at with its hardwood flooring, velvety red walls and large, spacious windows.
The most interesting places are often the most difficult to find. A typical example is Sammlung Hoffmann, situated on the third floor of the building in the second courtyard in Sophie-Gips-Hofe. Mysterious symbols decorate the walls of the courtyard and weird signs catch the eye. The private art gallery is situated in the home of the Hoffman family, a restored turn-of-the-century factory building. Tours of the gallery are organized in preregistered groups of ten on Saturdays when the museum opens to the public.