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Topping-out ceremony for Berlin Modern: Art awakens in the heart of Berlin!
On October 18th and 19th, 2025, the Berlin Modern at the Kulturforum will open its doors to visitors. Discover 20th century art in an impressive, sustainable new building.
Topping-out ceremony for Berlin Modern: Art awakens in the heart of Berlin!
October 16, 2025 was an important day for Berlin culture - the topping-out ceremony for the new museum “Berlin Modern” was celebrated. This museum at the Kulturforum in Berlin-Mitte, which acts as an extension to the Neue Nationalgalerie, will present an exquisite collection of 20th century artworks, including masterpieces by greats such as Otto Dix, Andy Warhol and Anselm Kiefer. How daily news reported that prominent personalities such as Wolfram Weimer and Marion Ackermann were among the guests.
The museum, whose building was designed by the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, is considered a “lighthouse project” in Berlin’s museum landscape. The shell will open to the public from October 18, 2025, and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the structure themselves and experience performances such as Joan Jonas' performance through open tours. Berlin Modern offers clear information about the events and advance ticket sales. Visit the shell and be amazed by the architecture and art in its early stages!
An ecological masterpiece with challenges
It's no secret that the costs of the ambitious construction project have increased noticeably since it was planned. Originally budgeted at 130 million euros, estimates are now around 450 million euros, with possible costs that could exceed 600 million euros. Despite these enormous investments, criticism did not stop. The Federal Audit Office expressed concerns about the high operating costs and information about cost increases. These issues were already dealt with intensively during the term of office of the former Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth, when the plans were revised. There was also a switch to sustainable practices and materials, such as the integration of solar modules.
The building, which covers an area of around 10,200 m² and will offer around 9,000 m² of exhibition space, is scheduled to be completed in 2027. The project will also include other important art movements: works from German Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism and even GDR art will find a place here. Wikipedia summarizes: Berlin Modern is considered the most expensive new museum building in the Federal Republic of Germany, a circumstance that does not do justice to the ambitious demands of the project.
Art and the public – let’s explore!
For the first visits on October 18th and 19th, 2025, when the shell will be open to everyone, access is possible via Scharounplatz on the corner of Potsdamer Straße. Visitors can expect a rich program that, in addition to the works of art, also includes informative displays and personal mediators who explain the creation of the museum and the concept of the exhibitions. The performance “Mirror Piece” by Joan Jonas will take place two times a day, at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
It is therefore important to act quickly: capacities are limited and time-limited tickets priced at 6 euros are available online. Anyone interested in contemporary art and architecture now has the opportunity to take a first look at this cultural hotspot.