It’s that time of year again – Berlin Art Week is just around the corner! Every September, the German capital kicks off the new art season, bringing together over 100 museums, galleries, collections, project spaces, and a bustling art fair. From September 10–14, 2025, Berlin transforms into a playground for contemporary art lovers.
If you’re planning to explore the festival, our Berlin Art Week Guide will help you make the most of your visit, from must-see galleries to cafés, bars, and standout events.
Galleries to Explore
Berlinische Galerie – A dynamic museum celebrating Berlin art from 1870 to today. With collections spanning Dada to contemporary works, it’s a rich visual dialogue, complemented by films, concerts, and artist talks.
Schinkel Pavillon – Hidden in a historic DDR building, this space is a haven for contemporary sculpture and media art. Its non-commercial spirit and bold exhibitions spark exciting conversations between emerging talents and icons like Louise Bourgeois and Mike Kelley – a true Berlin gem.
Contemporary Fine Arts – Since 1992, this gallery has showcased both emerging and established artists, including Cecily Brown, Sarah Lucas, and Georg Baselitz. With locations in Berlin and Basel, it’s known for high-quality exhibitions and provocative, thought-provoking works.
Esther Schipper – A cornerstone of Berlin’s contemporary art scene, Esther Schipper has over 30 years of groundbreaking exhibitions. Featuring 48 visionary artists, the gallery is a must-visit for experimental and time-based works.
Cafés and Bars for Art Lovers
Goodlyfe – A hidden gem perfect for coffee or matcha, conveniently near Berlinische Galerie and Esther Schipper. Combine your cultural cravings with a caffeine fix.
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10 AM–5 PM | Fri–Sun 10 AM–6 PM
Five Elephant – Trendy café with exceptional coffee and a creative vibe, ideal for recharging after gallery hopping in Kreuzberg.
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM | Sat–Sun 9 AM–7 PM
Bar Clara – Located atop Fotografiska, this bar serves cocktails as artful as the space itself. Perfect for capping off a long day of exhibitions.
Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5 PM–1 AM | Fri–Sat 5 PM–2 AM
Berlin Art Week Highlights
Gallery Night – Thursday, Sept 11 | 6–10 PM
Over 50 top galleries stay open late, showcasing bold new exhibitions. Don’t miss highlights from Anselm Kiefer, Katharina Grosse, Bruce Nauman, and more.
Discovering Collections! – Saturday, Sept 13 | Various times
Step inside Berlin’s most exciting private collections, from the Boros Bunker to the Julia Stoschek Foundation. A rare opportunity to see art usually hidden from public view.
Featured Night – Friday, Sept 12 | 6–10 PM
Independent project spaces like Die Möglichkeit einer Insel, Between Bridges Paint Shop, and Passage im Funkhaus take center stage. Expect experimental formats, late-night performances, and unexpected encounters – Berlin’s underground art scene at its finest.
Shop in Style
Andreas Murkudis - Barena Venezia, Arc'teryx Veilance
Known for its avant-garde curation, Andreas Murkudis is extending its opening hours this week (Wednesday - Saturday, 11 AM - 8 PM) and hosting a Berlin Art Week special. Starting September 9, the store presents the immersive installation “FLY WITH IM MEN” by the Miyake Design Studio, exploring the intersection of fabric, form and technology.
Usual opening hours: Monday - Saturday from 11 AM - 7 PM
The Store X Berlin - Barena Venezia, Casa Nata, Arc'teryx Veilance, Diemme
Located inside Soho House, The Store X Berlin blends fashion, interior, art, music and books across two curated floors. More than just retail, it’s a cultural hub with exhibitions, events and a café that turns shopping into an immersive creative experience – complementing a busy Berlin Art Week day!
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday from 11 AM - 7 PM
Highsnobiety - Diemme, Christian Wijnants, Arc'teryx Veilance
Highsnobiety’s Berlin flagship merges streetwear, design and culture into a retail concept. Known for its sharp curatorial eye and collaborations with global creatives, it’s a must-visit during Berlin Art Week for anyone looking to experience how design, art and style collide in the city.
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday from 11 AM - 7 PM
If you need more inspiration for your time in Berlin, you can check out the Melagence Ultimate Berlin Guide!
Esther Schipper Gallery
AD Magazine, Heji Shin
The Store X
Sojournal, Damian Tauchert
Contemporary Fine Arts Website, Matthias Kolb
Bar Klara
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