If you happen to be planning a visit to Berlin soon, you’re in for a treat. You might be wondering what else to explore in this vibrant city if you’ve already experienced the wonders of the Pergamon Museum and other gems on Museum Island. I had the opportunity to discover some remarkable exhibitions during my recent visit, and I’m here to guide you through the cultural treasures of Berlin.

Our journey begins with an art piece that has likely flooded your Instagram feed a thousand times, but trust me, it’s worth experiencing in person. I’m talking about Devouring Lovers at the Hamburger Bahnhof by Eva Fàbregas. This is the largest solo exhibition of the Spanish artist, and it features a monumental biomorphic sculpture that takes center stage. Inside the historical halls of the Hamburger Bahnhof, you’ll encounter a “breathing” sculpture that seems to absorb the surrounding space. Fàbregas creates a sensual, almost tangible spatial experience.

Moving forward, I won’t dwell on pieces you might already know, but the Hamburger Bahnhof has more to offer. For an affordable admission fee, you can explore not only Fàbregas’s work but also the thought-provoking Nadia Kaabi-Linke: Seeing Without Light. This solo exhibition sheds light on the unnoticed ways in which violence has shaped our understanding of history and the present, with a particular focus on censorship and violence in Central Europe. A highlight of this exhibition is Kaabi-Linke’s video, “Bud’mo,” which, though seemingly peaceful, carries a powerful message about forgotten and hidden connections between Ukrainian, German, and Russian history.

Hamburger Bahnhof isn’t just about solo exhibitions; it has its own tales to tell. The Forum Hamburger Bahnhof features archival materials and objects dating back to 1848, reexamining and retelling the history of the station. And don’t miss the Nationalgalerie: A Collection for the 21st Century, a diverse amalgamation of works by 60 artists that explore the socio-political and economic factors that have shaped Berlin since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The exhibition takes you on a journey through captivating pieces, including “10th May 2016 (Cherry),” a delicate and striking sculpture by Petrit Halilaj and Alvaro Urbano.

With much to explore at the Hamburger Bahnhof, it’s time to switch locations. Near the renowned Zoo station, C/O Berlin presents a retrospective of Mary Ellen Mark’s work. Mark, an American photographer, focused on individuals outside the mainstream. Her retrospective offers a comprehensive collection, showcasing her early works and still photographs created for Tim Burton’s films. Additionally, you may discover screenings of “Streetwise,” a project Mark worked on with her husband, in some of Berlin’s cinemas.

Just around the corner from C/O Berlin, you can indulge in another retrospective at the Helmut Newton Foundation (Berlin Museum for Photography), featuring Alice Springs. This exhibition, celebrating Spring’s 100th birthday, presents over 200 of her photographs. While Helmut Newton needs no introduction, Alice Springs started her photography career quite unexpectedly. After stepping in for Newton in 1970, her work for the French cigarette brand Gitanes marked the beginning of her successful career. Don’t forget to explore her self-portraits over the years, as they exude a unique and powerful aura. Lastly, on the top floor, you’ll find the poignant Flashes of Memory: Photography during the Holocaust, a touching visual documentation of photographs and films created by German citizens and Nazi propaganda photographers, presented in Germany for the first time.

My cultural exploration in Berlin also led me to the renowned Gropius Bau, a place that truly needs no introduction. The institution consistently delivers exceptional exhibitions, and my recent visit did not disappoint. Currently, several exhibitions are on display at affordable prices, including General Idea, Ether’s Bloom: A Programme on Artificial Intelligence, Soundshapes – In Between Frequencies, and the emotionally resonant Pallavi Paul: How Love Moves – Prelude. These exhibitions offer a diverse array of experiences, and each one approaches its subject matter uniquely.

I must mention a standout piece in the atrium – General Idea’s Fin de Siècle. Comprising over 1,000 sheets of expanded polystyrene foam, it forms a landscape resembling melting ice. If you’re a fan of large installations, this is a must-see. For more details, I encourage you to visit and experience it in person.

That’s a wrap on my Berlin adventure. If you’re interested in workshops or events (although many are geared towards children), Gropius Bau and Hamburger Bahnhof regularly feature them on their portals. For a comprehensive schedule of art events in Berlin, check out ArtConnect. It was a brief yet immersive journey, and I wish you an equally enriching experience!