The exhibition presents ten proposals by architecture students at Berlin University of the Arts, offering new interpretations of previously undeveloped spaces within the Kulturforum. The projects demonstrate how architectural and landscape interventions can transform the area into a cohesive, vibrant urban space.
Image above above: Carl Wolff, The Kulturforum as Landscape, Summer Semester 2025, Berlin University of the Arts Photo: Carl Wolff
The Kulturforum Berlin is a unique cultural location. During the division of Berlin, it was built as West Berlin’s “Museum Island” in the spirit of Hans Scharoun’s flowing landscape, but today it appears as an ensemble of striking solitary structures in a sparsely populated urban space. It is precisely these interstitial spaces that harbour great, hitherto untapped potential: as connecting elements, as spaces of possibility for urban life, as places to linger and meet.
At the same time, this location boasts a rare concentration and diversity of cultural institutions, including museums, libraries, research facilities, and a concert hall of international standing. The buildings themselves are an expression of this wealth, designed by influential architects such as Hans Scharoun, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Rolf Gutbrod, and Hilmer & Sattler, recently complemented by the emerging “berlin modern” based on plans by Herzog & de Meuron. The spectrum of visual arts, literature, and music to fashion, design, and architecture converges into a cultural field that is comparable to only a few other places in the world.
Development and future of the Kulturforum
The Kulturforum Berlin is set to remain a place of ideas in the future, a space where urban coexistence, living, and design can be conceived and experienced in the spaces in between. For students at Berlin University of the Arts, the Kulturforum is an inspiring piece of city history that inspires them to develop visions of coexistence and urbanity. During the 2025 summer semester, the master’s studios of Prof. Bettina Götz and atelier le balto examined the urban and landscape context and developed perspectives for a new interplay between the solitary structures. The resulting visions open up perspectives on possible futures for the Kulturforum and illustrate how diversely this place can be reimagined.
Program for the opening on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Welcome
- Moritz Wullen (Director, Art Library – Berlin State Museums)
Panel discussion with
- Sophie Daum (student at Berlin University of the Arts, Studio atelier le balto)
- Paula Riebel (student at Berlin University of the Arts, Studio Bettina Götz)
- Nikolaus Bernau (journalist, publicist)
- Sibylle Hoiman (director, Museum of Decorative Arts – Berlin State Museums)
- Matthias Noell (UdK Berlin)
- Maren Wienigk (head of the Architecture and Ornament Collection, Art Library – Berlin State Museums)
WHEN?
Opening: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 7 p.m.
Exhibition dates: Thursday, January 22 to Sunday, March 22, 2026
WHERE?
Johanna-und-Eduard-Arnhold-Platz / Matthäikirchplatz,
10785 Berlin
