Discover Berlin’s Street Art: A Guide to Iconic Murals and Creative Hubs
Berlin has a long history as a vibrant hub for freedom of expression, from landmark art museums showcasing the German contribution to modern art to the era-defining street art etched by anti-government protestors in the 1960s.
Berlin continues to attract artists from all over the world. No matter where you walk in Berlin, you’ll see the impact of art everywhere in this once-divided, now boldly progressive city.
Berlin’s street art tells the story of the city in vivid color, ranging from playful murals designed to spark imagination to powerful political pieces tackling pressing social issues. Here’s a guide to the top places to admire Berlin’s street art.
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is not only one of the best places to see street art in Berlin, it’s also one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The “canvas” for this 1.3km (one mile) open-air art gallery on the east bank of the Spree River is the longest-surviving section of the Berlin Wall.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall in the winter of 1989, 118 artists from 21 different countries traveled to East Berlin to paint colorful murals depicting the wave of political change sweeping across the world.
Preservation efforts are in place to protect the handful of original pieces that have survived the three decades since reunification, capturing the spirit of what it means to be a Berliner.
Essential Experience: Admiring the iconic “Fraternal Kiss”
More widely known as the “Fraternal Kiss,” Dmitri Vrubel’s My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love is Berlin’s most iconic piece of street art. This powerful statement portrays socialist politicians Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing during the 30th anniversary of the German Democratic Republic in 1979.
RAW Compound
Right in the heart of Berlin’s busiest nightlife area, the RAW Compound has it all. Set in the derelict buildings of a former train repair depot, RAW offers a quick bite to eat during the day and hosts some of Berlin’s hippest clubs once the sun goes down.
In this former industrial wasteland, visitors can discover fascinating street art on display. From easy-to-miss miniature sculptures to majestic murals, the RAW Compound is a lively hub for counterculture creativity.
It’s the kind of place to wander around with your camera, searching for artworks on the facades of each building; bringing a wide-angle lens can help capture larger works.
Essential Experience: Taking a street art walking tour
Every piece of art in the RAW Compound has a history. A guided walking tour is the best way to learn about this creative complex. Be ready to spend a few hours discussing and learning about the impact of street art on the city.
Bülowstrasse
What was once a no-go zone after dark, Bülowstrasse is now a vibrant street adorned with modern art. Today, the street is a perfect example of how street art has gentrified and revitalized formerly run-down districts in Berlin.
Travelers strolling along Bülowstrasse will encounter gigantic murals from world-renowned artists, alongside decorative pieces that conjure the artists’ imagination.
Essential Experience: Diving into urban art at the Urban Nation Museum
Urban Nation Museum in the Schöneberg district opened in 2017, showcasing the best of Berlin street art. It quickly became one of the best museums in the city, presenting graffiti, murals, canvas paintings, sculptures, and art installations that highlight various street art forms.
Teufelsberg
Initially intended as a military-technical college during the Nazi era, Teufelsberg later became a National Security Service listening station during the Cold War. The space has now transformed into one of Berlin’s most colorful and beautiful open-air street art galleries.
Teufelsberg attracts hundreds of tourists during the summer months, making it the perfect destination for a day trip that combines hiking and art appreciation.
Essential Experience: Climbing the dome at Teufelsberg
As you ascend the stairwell at Teufelsberg, you’ll encounter a massive painting of a man with outstretched arms, covering the inside of a dome previously used for monitoring Soviet communications. This intriguing piece of art adds to the complex’s unique charm.
Mehringdamm
The whole district of Kreuzberg is rich in street art, with Mehringdamm standing out as a hidden gem. As you walk toward the iconic Checkpoint Charlie, you’ll witness a plethora of stenciled political messages and stunning murals making powerful statements.
Essential Experience: Appreciating the artistry of Elephant Playing With a World Balloon
This stunning mural, flanking a basketball court, features a giant elephant holding a balloon shaped like the earth. Located at Wilhelmstraße 7, this intricately designed piece is considered by many to be the most outstanding street mural in Berlin, inviting visitors to stand in awe of its grandeur.
