Sammlung Boros

About the museum

The above-ground bunker on Reinhardtstraße was built in 1942 as an air-raid shelter for civilians near Friedrichstraße station; it was designed by the architect Karl Bonatz and built by forced laborers. After the war, the windowless concrete structure was used for a time by the Red Army as a prison, later as a textile warehouse, and in East Germany as a storehouse for imported tropical fruit, which earned it the nickname "Bananenbunker" (Banana Bunker).

After reunification, the bunker became a notorious techno club in the 1990s, also hosting theater performances, trade fairs, and art exhibitions, until the authorities shut it down in 1995.

In 2003, the entrepreneur Christian Boros and his wife Karen bought the building. By 2007, it had been extensively converted into an exhibition space. Since 2008, the couple has been showing selections from their collection of international art from 1990 onward on some 3,000 square meters.

The presentations change about every four years and can only be seen on guided tours. In May 2026, the fifth collection presentation opened, featuring works by 27 artists, including new acquisitions and expanded groups of works by artists already represented.

Highlights

• Contemporary art from 1990 onward in an above-ground bunker from 1942
• Fifth collection presentation since May 2026
• Guided tours connect the art with the history of the bunker
• Around 3,000 m² of exhibition space on several floors
• Small groups, tours in German and English

Permanent exhibitions

• Sammlung Boros – Fünfte Präsentation – A new selection from the collection with works by 27 artists such as Tomma Abts, Ed Atkins, Klára Hosnedlová, and Pol Taburet; some works are on view for the first time.

Founded

2008

Operated by

BOROS Foundation gemeinnützige GmbH

Director

Raoul Zöllner

Admission & discounts

Price includes the guided tour. Tickets online only, non-refundable and non-transferable to another date; no discount with an ICOM card.

Accessibility

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

Exhibition rooms are wheelchair-accessible, with all floors reachable by elevator; a mobile ramp can be provided for step-free entry on request (send a short email after booking). Folding stools are available for the tour. Companion free.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 12+

• Family tours & workshops: not available

Visits are recommended for children ages 12 and up. Because of the noise-sensitive architecture and loud sound installations, the collection advises against visits with toddlers under 3 years; questions in advance by email.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

All bags, including small handbags, must be stored in lockers during the visit.

Events & venue rental

No venue rental listed; private tours for private and corporate groups can be booked outside regular hours.

Plan your visit