Whether it´s fashion, film, art, music or lifestyle, Berlin offers a score of special events dedicated to a single theme. For “long nights”, a whole weekend, or an entire week, visitors and locals alike will again have many opportunities to indulge in their favorite subject matter and explore the diverse and plentiful cultural offerings of the German Capital.
LONG NIGHTS
14th Long Night of Sciences
Science becomes an experience on the “brightest night of the year”. From 5 pm until midnight, more than 60 scientific institutions in Berlin and Potsdam will open the doors to their laboratories, archives and lecture halls, which are usually closed to the public. Scientists present their area of expertise, show experiments and answer to the manifold questions of the visitors.
May 10, 2014, www.langenachtderwissenschaften.de (in German)
34th Long Night of Museums
In 2014, Berlin’s popular Long Night of the Museums is becoming even more attractive, as the city’s museums for the first time team up with the local castles and memorials to present one large festival event. Combined with the International Museum Day, the famous museum landscape in Berlin offers a special program for the entire weekend. Some 100 Berlin museums and cultural institutions will open their doors from 6 pm Saturday evening until 2 am Sunday. Music, theater and culinary events will enhance the permanent and temporary exhibitions and promise to make the nighttime visit a unique experience. With one ticket, visitors get unlimited access to a shuttle bus service and admission to all participating venues and events.
May 17, 2014, www.lange-nacht-der-museen.de/en, www.kulturprojekte-berlin.de/en/our-events/long-night-of-museums.html
ART WEEKEND
10th Gallery Weekend Berlin
More than 50 of Berlin’s most influential galleries open their doors to present contemporary art during this three-day event. Art lovers, design fans and curators can explore Berlin’s creative scene at numerous gallery openings, guided tours, parties and special events. Various galleries. May 2-4, 2014, www.gallery-weekend-berlin.de
FESTIVAL WEEKS
8th Berlin Biennale
The Berlin Biennale will bring together a range of local and international artistic positions that explore the intersection between larger historical narratives and individuals’ lives. The research for the Biennale is structured along three approaches toward the city of Berlin: in its relationship to the built environment, in its relationship to citizenship, and in its relationship to labor. Another focus lies on ways in which the 18th and 19th century Berlin is contemplated within our current cultural landscape. Major location will be the KW – Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin’s art hotspot Auguststraße.
May 29 – August 3, 2014, www.berlinbiennale.de
Berlin Fashion Week
Twice a year, in winter and in summer, Berlin transforms itself into an international hotspot for fashion and lifestyle. During the Berlin Fashion Week – which boasts catwalks, off-site events and trade shows – fashion enthusiasts, buyers, industry experts and the media schmooze at fashion shows, awards ceremonies and off-site events. The Mercedes-Benz Berlin Fashion Week shows the latest couture on “Straße des 17. Juni” at Siegessäule. As part of the Fashion Week, the BREAD & BUTTER international fair for street and urban wear turns the former Tempelhof Airport into an avant-garde catwalk. For the first time, the show will open its doors to the public for two days on Friday and Saturday (11 and 12 July).
July 8-13, 2014, www.fashion-week-berlin.com/en
Berlin Pride Week
In June, Berlin will be ablaze with all the colors of the rainbow, when the local LGBT community and visitors from around the world celebrate Pride and Equality during the Berlin Pride Week. Kicking-off with the 22nd Lesbian and Gay Street Festival, June 14-15, and culminating in Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Parade (new name: Stonewall Parade), June 21, some 200 events will focus on culture, politics, sports and just plain partying. www.regenbogenfonds.de ; www.csd-berlin.de
Berlin Music Week
Berlin will become center stage for the international music world during this week-long event, which is many things at once: a music industry gathering and market place for professionals, a conference and coaching platform for musicians and, above all, a concert and music festival for the public. Berlin Music Week events include the Berlin Festival, held in the hangars and on the airfield of historic Tempelhof Airport. Another highlight is the Berlin Club Night with some 60 participating clubs welcoming visitors to Berlin’s legendary nightlife.
September 3-7, 2014, www.berlin-music-week.de/en/
Berlin Art Week
No matter if artist or collector – hardly anyone can ignore the German capital these days. From September 16-21, the third edition of the Berlin Art Week will again be highlighting the significance of Berlin as an international art metropolis. The Berlin art scene will present itself via various platforms, including atelier shows, activities in public spaces and discussions. In 2013, some 80.000 art aficionados spent the week exploring the latest of artistic expression, trends, as well as established and up-and-coming artists. The trade fairs abc art berlin contemporary and Preview Berlin Art Fair will be a central component of the Art Week. September 16-21, 2014. More information available soon at www.berlinartweek.de ; www.artberlincontemporary.com/en
Visit Berlin, www.visitBerlin.com