Berlin Highlights 2019
The opening of Futurium, the Bauhaus year celebrating its 100th anniversary and 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall - these are just a few of the many event highlights taking place in Berlin during 2019. Here are the most important highlights:
30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall
November 2019 will mark the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Berlin will take this opportunity to celebrate democracy and the reunification of the city. Several exhibitions will take place in commemoration of this event.
NEW, starting 24 August 2019
"In the middle of time!- The Virtual reality time travel "TimeRide", directly at historical Checkpoint Charlie opens on 24 August and tells the story of Berlin in the mid-1980s.
Nineties Berlin – Multimedia Exhibition in the Alte Münze
permanent exhibition
This 270° multimedia experience allows you to dive into Berlin life, politics and the its techno past before, during and after reunification.
East Berlin – half of the capital
11/05/2019 – 09/11/2019
In the middle of next year, the Stadtmuseum Berlin and the Centre for Contemporary Historical Research will showcase an exhibition on the history of the “capital of the GDR” from the late 1960s right through to reunification.
You will get an overview in our 30 Years After the Fall of the Berlin Wall special
Bauhaus 100
2019 is Bauhaus year: The 100th anniversary of its foundation will be celebrated nationally as well as internationally with extraordinary and at times experimental exhibitions, events and festivals. This includes the Opening Festival between 16 and 24 January 2019 at the Berlin Academy of Arts with various artistic contributions, the bauhaus imaginista project with worldwide exhibitions and lectures series and the associated exhibition in the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of the Cultures of the World) and the Bauhaus Week in Berlin.
The finale of the anniversary will be the new museums in the three Bauhaus cities. In 2019, new cultural centres will open their doors for the first time in Dessau and Weimar. The Bauhaus Archive built by the Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius in Berlin, will be extended to include a new museum building which will be ceremoniously opened in 2021.
See also our special "Bauhaus 100"
Overview of the main events:
original bauhaus
In cooperation with the Berlinische Galerie and the Bauhaus archive, the exhibition "original bauhaus" will be on view from 6 September 2019. This exhibition will shed light on the differences between original and copy as well as a between a one of a kind and a series.
Bauhaus and photography
The Museum of Photography in Berlin will show an exhibition entitled Bauhaus and Photography – On the New Vision in Contemporary Art, featuring 1930’s avant-garde photography and contemporary art. Over 200 works by artists such as Florence Henri, Vivianne Sassen and Douglas Gordon can be seen here until the end of August 2019.
Bauhaus Week
Framed by the Long Night of Museums on 31 August until the Day of the Open Monument on 8 September 2019, the Bauhaus Week will take place in Berlin during the Bauhaus anniversary year. You will encounter the Bauhaus theme in shop windows throughout the city. A glass festival centre will be opened on Ernst-Reuter-Platz.
New Bauhaus Museum
The Bauhaus Archive in Berlin is to get a new museum extension in which you will be able to see the most extensive part of the international collection in the future. The ceremonial opening is scheduled to take place in 2021.
Berlins new cultural heart
A cultural stronghold is currently springing up in heart of the capital. 2018 will ended with the hand-over of keys for the James-Simon-Galerie, which will be open to the public from summer 2019. Soon after the Futurium finally opens its doors. The coming year will also witness the opening of the Humboldt Forum in the Berlin Palace, whose future events will provide a stage for world cultures and central questions facing humanity. Since the middle of 2018, parts of the Pergamon Altar have been open to the public again, but it is expected to be fully completed by 2023. The world-famous all-round panorama by Yadegar Asisi that was on display in 2012/2013, has returned and has now been integrated in the middle of the exhibition tour.
An overview of all information on the cultural centre
Art and exhibition highlights in 2019
Besides the art and music events, 2019 will also herald in a number of exhibitions. The Futurium will open its doors in September 2019. From then on, the Futurium will link future issues surrounding politics, society, art and business. September will also pay homage to art. Between 12 and 15 September 2019, art berlin will make its entry in the city at the same time as the eighth edition of Berlin Art Week.
Flying Steps & OSGEMEOS Images of an Exhibition
The well-known Berlin dance combo Flying Steps, will make an artistic comeback in cooperation with Hamburger Bahnhof. A new production is the result of a collaboration with the Brazilian artist duo OSGEMOS, which celebrates its premier at Hamburger Bahnhof on 5 April 2019. Images of an Exhibition will reinterpret works in a mix of art, dance performance and music, independent of genre.
Flying Illusion and Flying Bach were the first show concepts launched by the dance troupe and were highly successful.
Berlin Art Week
A trade fair for contemporary and modern art, which will display group art exhibitions as well as unique solo shows from over 10 countries. Performances, activities, artist talks and project room visits are also part of the varied events programme. This art festival will take place between 12 and 15 September at Berlin Tempelhof Airport.
Opening of the Futurium
On 5 September the moment finally arrives: the Futurium will open on Kapelle-Ufer opposite the Bundestag. A place is being created here where all future questions and ideas on politics, science, the economy, art and society can be exchanged and discussed. The future exhibition and the Futurium Lab will also provide additional information and opportunities for participation.
Mantegna and Bellini – Masters of the Renaissance
The artists Andrea Mantegna and Giovanni Bellini, who collaborated closely at one time, will now be reunited at the Gemäldegalerie (portrait gallery) from March 2019. Up until the end of June 2019, their approx. 100 works of art will be presented in comparison with one another and will evoke their accomplishments as friends, advisers and rivals.
Fontane 200
Berlin and Brandenburg will celebrate the 200th birthday of Theodor Fontane with exhibitions, presentations and concerts. The Märkische Museum Berlin will showcase the photo exhibition Fontanes Berlin in which the famous writer describes the transformation of the capital as a metropolis and his experiences of this.
Wilhelm und Alexander von Humboldt im Deutschen Historischen Museum
The first major exhibition in Germany on the brothers Alexander and Wilhelm von Humboldt will be on view at the German Historical Museum from 22 November 2019.
Festivals and concert highlights in 2019
Berlin is expecting a green premiere in May: the Green Tech Festival. From May 23 to 25, the former Tempelhof Airport will be the venue for the first Green Tech Festival. The festival combines an exhibition of green technologies, a sustainability conference and a Formula E race. More
Berlin – a festival on every street: During the Carnival of Cultures (7 - 10/6) and the Fête de la Musique (21/6), Berlin transforms its streets into a party zone where the whole world dances together. Another summer highlight is the Classic Open Air at Gendarmenmarkt. In 2019, the popular festival will take place for the 28th time.
The Lollapalooza Festival (Olympiapark, 7 - 8/9) is a real attraction during late summer in Berlin, and is now taking place for the fifth time in Berlin. It is one of the most established and respected festival brands. The event enables over 100,000 visitors to experience some 50 acts – over the last few years, the event has even become one of Germany's cultural highlights.
You will find even more festivals in the programme overview at visitBerlin.de/en.
CONCERTS
From Grönemeyer and Rammstein through to Metallica – 2019 will be an extraordinary year for concerts in Berlin. Whether it's German pop stars or international rockers: Fans from all over the globe will have the chance to experience special live spectacles in the German capital. The year will be kicked off with the Fantastischen Vier (13/1, Max-Schmeling-Halle), the pop duo Twenty One Pilots (14/2, Mercedes-Benz-Arena) and one of the greatest German-speaking artists: Herbert Grönemeyer (7/3 and 3/9, Mercedes-Benz-Arena). They will be followed by pop musicians Mark Forster (28/3, Mercedes-Benz-Arena), the band Revolverheld (30/3, Mercedes-Benz-Arena), the heavy metal band Manowar (3/4, Velodrom), singer and songwriter Maite Kelly (13/4, Mercedes-Benz-Arena) and Germany’s electronic pop artist Schiller (25/5, Mercedes-Benz-Arena). Fans of guitar legends will get their money’s worth in 2019: On 4 June the Berlin Mercedes-Benz-Arena will honour blues legend Eric Clapton, who is considered to be one of the best guitarists of all times. Fleetwood Mac will rock the Berlin Waldbühne for their only concert in Germany on 6 June. The band Rammstein will go on a stadium tour for the first time (22/6, Olympiastadion). In summer, Berlin will also be treated to Kiss, the icons of rock on their farewell tour (4/6, Waldbühne), the creator of German rock Udo Lindenberg (7/6, Mercedes-Benz-Arena), the folk rock'n'roller Andreas Gaballier
(28/6, Waldbühne) and Metallica (6/7, Olympiastadion). Pink will be playing at the Olympiastadion on 14 July as part of her Beautiful Trauma world tour. Two of the greatest and most successful German rappers and live artists Marteria & Caspar, will appear at Waldbühne on (3/8). Schlager fans can look forward to Roland Kaiser's open air concert (23/8, Waldbühne) and to Vanessa Mai who will play at the Mercedes-Benz-Arena (29/10). Seeed, the Berlin Reggae Task Force as they like to call themselves, will be at the Max-Schmeling-Halle (6/11). As always, the end of year concert highlights will be a compilation of different music acts at the free open air New Year’s Eve party between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, with a light, laser and firework show.
There are many other concerts taking place in Berlin too. You can find out more on the visitBerlin events calendar.
Berlin’s Convention Highlights in 2019
Berlin is increasingly attracting large medical conventions and digital events. The Berlin Convention Office’s convention calendar run by visitBerlin is booking up fast and is indicative of a positive development. You can get a complete overview on the congress calendar.
Here are the best of the upcoming conventions in 2019:
re:publica, 6 - 8/5/19, 7,000 participants, Station Berlin
The 13th edition of the internet conference - this time under the motto “tl;dr”, internet speak for “too long; didn’t read".
19.re-publica.com/en
#rp19
Going Global Conference, 13 - 15/5/19, 1,000 participants, bcc Berlin
Going Global is a conference for managers in the international education sector, which affords the opportunity to discuss the future of higher education.
britishcouncil.org/going-global
EAPC 2019, 23 - 25/5/19, 3,000 participants, Estrel Berlin
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Palliativmedizin e.V. is hosting the World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care in order to reflect on the international progress in developments for palliative medicine and to identify areas where action is still needed.
www.eapc-2019.org
Diabetes Congress, 29/5 - 1/6/19, 7,000 participants, CityCube
The diabetes congress is the annual scientific conference of the Deutsche Diabetes Gesellschaft (DDG). Every year, around 7,000 participants, primarily from German-speaking countries, take part in this event.
WeAreDevelopers Congress, 6 - 7/6/19, 15,000 participants, CityCube
In 2019, the largest developer conference in Europe will take place in Germany for the first time. The congress will move from Vienna to Berlin in 2019. Well over 10,000 developers and IT specialists are expected to attend. International tech leaders will discuss the IT issues of today and tomorrow under the title "People – Code – Future".
World of Coffee, 6 - 8/6/19, 10,000 participants, Messe Berlin
World of Coffee is the most important event for coffee specialists and is hosted in a different European city in June every year.
NOAH Conference 2019, 13 - 14/6/19, 2,000 participants, Tempodrom
The NOAH conference brings together leading European figures from the internet and digital economy.
noah-conference.com
TOA Berlin, 2 - 5/7/19, 20,000 participants, Funkhaus Berlin
Some 20,000 participants from the international tech and creative scene are expected to attend the TOA Tech Open Air Festival.
WCBCT 2019, 17 - 20/7/19, 4,000 participants, CityCube Berlin
Experts in behavioural therapy will gather at the World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies.
wcbct2019.org
EMBC 2019, 23 - 27/7/19, 3,500 participants, CityCube Berlin
The IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society will host its 41st International Engineering in Medicine and Biology Conference. The overarching motto is Biomedical Technology from Wellness to Intensive Medicine.
embc.embs.org/2019
XPOMET Festival 2019, 10 - 12/10/19, 5,000 participants, Arena Berlin
Medicine that will astonish: The Xpomet is a multidisciplinary and international festival on the future of medicine, representing the new generation of healthcare.
xpomet.com/en/homepage-2
ISUOG 2019, 13 - 16/10/19, 3,000 participants, Estrel Berlin
The world convention of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology will be held in Berlin.
isuog.org/events/world-congress.html
World Health Summit, 27 - 29/10/19, 2,000 participants, KOSMOS Berlin
The World Health Summitwill take place in the German capital for the eleventh time. The international discussion forum for major global health issues attracts approx. 2,000 doctors, scientists, NGOs, politicians and industry representatives from 90 countries to Berlin.
worldhealthsummit.org
Data Natives, 21 - 22/11/19, 2,000 participants, Kühlhaus Berlin
Data Natives is an inspiring conference for the date-driven generation. The tech community will meet for discussions, educational workshops and networking.
datanatives.io
Darüber hinaus finden in Berlin große Messen für tausende Besucher statt:
- Berlin Vital Frühjahr, 5.-6.4.19, Flughafen Tempelhof
- IFA 2019 – Consumer Electronics, 6.-11.9.19, Messegelände
- Bazaar Berlin 2019, 6.-10.11.19, Messe Berlin
Sport events
Berlin is Germany’s number one city of sport and venue for major sporting events with an international flair. Berlin has a leading position at major events: top teams, top events, and top locations attract numerous guests to Berlin.
High-class sporting events will take place in 2019 as well:
Sporting highlights of 2019
• 10 - 17/1: Handball world championship
with the preliminary rounds in Berlin (Mercedes-Benz-Arena, Verti-Music-Hall) more
• 24/1: Six Day Berlin
Cycling competitions (Velodrom) more
• 1/2: 6th ISTAF indoor
athletics (Mercedes-Benz-Arena) more
• 11/5: Velothon
second-largest cycling race of its kind in Europe and trade fair (start: Straße des 17. Juni) more
• 25/5: DFB cup final
(Olympiastadion Berlin) more
• 3 - 4/8: German championships in ten Olympic disciplines
The types of sport include track cycling, boxing, raft racing, athletics, modern pentathlon, swimming, diving, archery, triathlon and apparatus gymnastics.
(Olympiastadion, Olympiapark, Olympischer Platz, Max-Schmeling-Halle, Europasportpark, Velodrom and Strandbad Wannsee)
more
• 3/8: 119th German athletics championships
(Olympiastadion) more
• 4/8: Icelandic Horse Championships Berlin
(Karlshorst trotting course) more
28 - 29/9: BMW Berlin Marathon
inner city marathon for inline skaters and runners (Start: Straße des 17. Juni) more
More content
An overview of all events
