The Kolonnaden-Bar is opening again this year on the edge of the historic Kolonnadenhof at the northern tip of Berlin’s Museum Island, with a direct view of the River Spree. As part of the celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the ‘Island’, until 30 August 2026, the bar will be serving chilled drinks on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm to 10 pm and on Fridays to Sundays from 12 noon to 10 pm, DJ sets, a cultural programme featuring numerous artists, and a beer called “Wissensdurst”.
Image above: Kolonnadenhof + Kolonnadenbar, © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Photo: Valerie Schmidt
Over a period of around three months, from 10 June to 30 August 2026, the Kolonnaden-Bar Summer Festival by Vagabund will present more than 50 free cultural events, offering Berliners and visitors from all over the world a welcoming venue in which to experience music, performances and artistic expression against one of the city’s most iconic backdrops.
The festival brings together multidisciplinary artists from Berlin and the international cultural scene. The programme evolves over the course of the week, with each day offering its own unique combination of performances. Live music, contemporary artistic formats, classical influences and experimental works come together to create a dynamic cultural experience that reflects the city’s diversity. Whether it’s an intimate musical performance, an evening with up-and-coming artists or a weekend full of open-air events – the festival invites the audience to discover culture in new and inspiring ways.
Throughout the summer, there will also be community events and cultural activities, including talks and workshops.
The Kolonnaden-Bar is a joint initiative between the Vagabund Brewery and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, supported by numerous partners from the cultural scene on Museum Island. As a symbol of this collaboration, the festival is presenting the specially brewed beer ‘Wissensdurst’, which was created as a tribute to Museum Island and its long-standing commitment to the freedom of art and science. As part of the 200th-anniversary celebrations, ‘Wissensdurst’ will be available at the Kolonnaden Bar throughout the summer.
WHEN?
Opening hours for the Kolonnaden Bar by Vagabund
from 10 June to 30 August 2026
Wednesday and Thursday: 4 pm–10 pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 12 noon–10 pm
WHERE?
In front of the Alte Nationalgalerie
Museums Island Berlin
Bodestraße 1-3
10178 Berlin
