Berlin’s Progressive Art Scene by Shelley Seale

In the late 1970s and 1980s, the wall’s concrete slabs provided a blank canvas for West Berliners, and it soon was covered with graffiti and political messages. The colorful expressions on the west side were in sharp contrast to the blank walls of repressed East Berlin.

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, a flood of artistic talent from around the world has poured into the city’s vital, energetic art movement. Kirsten Schmidt, director of public relations for Berlin Tourism Marketing, says: “Many artists from around Europe and the world live in Berlin, enjoying the low cost of living and affordable studio space, the edgy and creative feel of the city, as well as the very high appreciation for art.”

Art lovers will find a lively and diverse setting in Berlin, with about 400 galleries and 175 museums that are clustered together in different areas and, therefore, easily explored. The world-famous Museum Island in the Spree River is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to Nefertiti, the Pergamon Altar, the gold of Troy and the gate of Babylon, Museum Island also offers collections of 19th century art, Bauhaus works and sculpture collections. Berlin is also known for its three world-class opera houses and seven professional orchestras, as well as a vibrant jazz community and a club DJ scene.

The buzzing art world of Berlin still is intertwined closely with graffiti and street art, and it is the perfect destination for avant-garde aficionados. Walking around the city, one literally can bump into art anywhere. American artist Jonathan Borofsky’s 100-foot-tall aluminum creation, located near the Spree, draws a continuous crowd. In other unlikely places, anything from doll installations, huge posters and even live performance art can be found.

The annual highlight is Art Forum Berlin, Europe’s most influential and bold event that celebrates contemporary art. “It is one of the most innovative, world-class art shows, showcasing a comprehensive overview of the most-decisive trends and movements in the international art scene,” says Schmidt.

In 2007, Art Forum featured galleries from 25 countries and attracted 44,000 visitors. Schmidt highly recommends utilizing the services of a private art guide when visiting Berlin. “It’s a great way to explore the scene; the tours offer a personal, inside view,” she says.