Gropius Bau

A House with History – and High Standards

The Neo-Renaissance style building at Niederkirchnerstraße 7 was opened in 1881 as a Museum of Decorative Arts and school with classrooms and studios. What began then as a place for craft education is now perhaps Berlin’s most important address for contemporary art. The building stands directly on the border of the Mitte district and, until 1990, was located directly on the Berlin Wall on the West Berlin side. This history is still visible at the Gropius Bau: on the partially unplastered ceiling, traces of damage from the Second World War can be found.

The Atrium as the Centrepiece

Upon entering the Gropius Bau, visitors are first captivated by the building itself. The heart of the exhibition venue is the freely accessible atrium, where, alongside expansive installations, regular performances and transdisciplinary projects engage in dialogue with the impressive architecture. Between the windows, one can discover the coats of arms of the German states and beautiful mosaics. Only then do visitors proceed to the exhibition rooms – and they are truly something special.

Diane Arbus: Constellations – The Current Exhibition

Currently, the Gropius Bau is presenting one of the most significant photography exhibitions of the year. With Diane Arbus: Constellations, starting October 16, 2025, the Gropius Bau will showcase the most extensive retrospective to date of the American photographer (1923–1971). After stops at LUMA Arles and the Park Avenue Armory in New York, the Berlin show features 454 black-and-white photographs, many of which are being publicly exhibited for the first time. The exhibition deliberately foregoes a chronological or thematic arrangement. Instead, the audience moves through a labyrinthine architecture of black grid walls, discovering connections between iconic portraits and lesser-known works. It was only posthumously that her former student Neil Selkirk began producing authorized prints from her original negatives. Constellations now brings together all prints made by Selkirk for the first time, honoring Arbus’ influence on the recognition of photography as an independent art form. The exhibition runs until January 18, 2026.

Tickets and Practical Information

A ticket for all exhibitions costs 15 Euros regularly, 10 Euros reduced. Children and young people up to 18 years old have free admission. Visitors can complete their visit at Beba, the Gropius Bau’s restaurant, the bookshop, or the Gropius Hain on the west side of the building.