Why should you go on a walking tour to explore Berlin’s best outdoor art and murals?
Are you looking forward to enjoying the art life that Berlin has to offer to you? Sure, the best way to familiarize oneself with the culture, history and art of Berlin is by booking a walk that will take through the streets of the city, focusing on the outdoors art and murals. This guide will give you an insight into the best alternatives to the East Side Gallery and other well-known murals and some other districts of Berlin where you will stumble upon incredible pieces of art.
The East Side Gallery: A Historical Masterpiece
The first place that you should consider going to is the Famous East Side Gallery presented along the remains of the Berlin Wall. This particular part of the wall is the longest to date and measures over a kilometer in length; it also features many pieces of art from artists from all over the world. It meant that each of the artworks has a specific meaning behind it, which might be an appeal to people for peace, unity, and freedom. It is recommended to spend some time for observing these murals and looking into their relevance in the history.
Urban Art in Kreuzberg: Exploring Street Culture
Kreuzberg is one of Berlin’s most famous boroughs and full of life and it is well-known as a place with a lot of Street art. Stencils and graffiti as well as murals are painted on the walls of streets representing the freedom of the souls of this neighborhood. Particularly, go to Oranienstraße and Wrangelstraße streets, where you will be able to observe graffiti of various radical artwork and some political overtones. It is recommended to observe the environment and immerse into the cultural background of the displayed artwork.
Discovering Hidden Gems in Friedrichshain
However, here, in Friedrichshain, there is much more to be explored among which are those not so famous pieces and murals. Walk around and make sure to search for sculptures and art works that are invisibly placed in gardens, walkways, doorways and even in deserted structures. It is a bright spot for one, to visit the RAW-Gelände; an urban area that hosts graffiti as well as other street art. The art of exploring those Nth possibilities is that it is the ‘in the moment’ kind of creative process – one should capture it before they mature, or vanish.
Note-Worthy Murals in Mitte
In the heart of Berlin, the district of Mitte harbors a collection of remarkable murals. Beginners should start at Hackescher Markt and Hackesche Höfe; here, the spirit of the city’s modern art will intersect with the old architecture. From there proceed to Rosenthaler Platz and Auguststraße which are full of art galleries and murals. Thus, the comparison between 2 neighbourhoods represent a unique combination of the history of the area and the contemporary paintings that decorate its walls.
The Importance of Street Art Preservation
Street art in Berlin is ever changing as there are more and more new pieces being created, tagged, painted over or removed. While street art’s temporary nature is an attractive part of the work, it means that preservation is an issue. Some of these arts are preserved while others wear out or are destroyed through human activities. Love the art or sculpture as a wise traveler and avoid writing on it or marking it in any way. Document the murals, promote the work and the stories behind them and in the meanwhile show that street art is a valid art form.
Key Tips for Your Walking Tour:
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning artworks you come across.
- Consider going on a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the artworks and their cultural significance.
- Respect private property and obtain permission before taking photos on private premises.
- Support local artists and art initiatives by purchasing prints or other merchandise.
- Take breaks and enjoy the surrounding cafés, restaurants, and parks for a well-rounded experience.
Embarking on a walking tour to explore Berlin’s outdoor art and murals is an enriching journey that combines creativity, history, and self-expression. It allows you to delve into the city’s vibrant street art scene, witness the transformative power of art, and gain a deeper understanding of Berlin’s cultural identity. So put on your walking shoes, open your mind, and get ready to be inspired by the open-air galleries that await you in every corner of this mesmerizing city.
Table of Contents
