Martin-Gropius-Bau

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The building was designed by Martin Gropius and Heino Schmieden and opened in 1881 as the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts) with an affiliated teaching institution. Alongside the collection of European crafts and an art library, it housed classrooms and studios; the glass-roofed atrium formed the heart of the building.

During World War II, the building was gutted by fire, and the roof, upper floors and parts of the facades were destroyed. For decades afterward, the ruin stood directly beside the Berlin Wall. Walter Gropius, the builder's great-nephew, was among those who prevented a planned demolition; in 1966 the building was placed under heritage protection.

From 1978, Winnetou Kampmann and Ute Weström rebuilt the building, deliberately leaving traces of the war visible. Because of the Wall, the entrance was initially on the south side; the main portal on Niederkirchnerstraße was only reopened in 1999. Since its reopening in the 1980s, the building has served as an exhibition venue without a collection of its own.

Since 2001, the Gropius Bau has been part of the Berliner Festspiele. It shows changing exhibitions by contemporary artists, runs a residency program with studios on the second floor and, recently, the free children's play space BAUBAU.

Highlights

• Historic glass-roofed atrium at the heart of the building
• Reconstructed mosaics, reliefs and majolica alongside visible traces of the war
• Changing major exhibitions of contemporary art
• BAUBAU: free play space for children by Kerstin Brätsch
• Residency program with artists' studios

Founded

1881

Operated by

Berliner Festspiele (Kulturveranstaltungen des Bundes in Berlin GmbH)

Director

Jenny Schlenzka

Admission & discounts

One ticket is valid for all current exhibitions (as of September 2026: Gabriele Stötzer and Kreuzberg). Until September 30, 2026, Kreuzberg residents pay the reduced price. Free admission for groups including recipients of social assistance/Bürgergeld (citizen's income), the press and members of ICOM, IGBK, CiMAM, BBK and the Deutscher Museumsbund. Prices may vary depending on the exhibition program.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

Accessible entrance to the left of the main entrance; all three exhibition floors are accessible. Loan wheelchairs and portable stools at the coat check. Accessible restrooms on the 1st floor, all-gender restroom in the basement. Six accessible parking spaces in the building's parking lot, one on Niederkirchnerstraße. Visual story to help prepare your visit, website section in Leichte Sprache (Easy German). Contact: inclusion@gropiusbau.de.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area

Free children's play space BAUBAU on the ground floor (atrium) for children accompanied by an adult, supervised by playworkers; timed-entry ticket recommended, with a stroller check there as well. The accessible entrance to the left of the main entrance is suitable for strollers.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Restaurant Beba (Jewish-inspired cuisine, coffee, pastries; brunch on weekends). Walther König bookshop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Available for receptions, dinners, conferences, talks, film screenings and readings; contact via the marketing department (tel. 030 25486-123). Private dinners can also be arranged through Restaurant Beba.

Plan your visit