10 Things To Know About Kreuzberg's Open Air Gallery

Kreuzberg’s Open Air Gallery turns the iconic Oberbaumbrücke into a sprawling open-air exhibition. Taking place twice a year, on June 3 and July 1, it’s a fun, free and distinctive art event during Berlin’s summer.

It’s been running for over a decade

Started in 2002, over the past 16 years the Open Air Gallery has grown in popularity across Berlin, with locals coming out twice a year, rain or shine to enjoy the festival. Committed to creating a dialogue between artists and visitors, the open-air gallery remains an important cultural event in Berlin.

Stretching over an ‘Art Mile’

Closing down Oberbaumbrücke for one day at a time, the stretching gallery is known as the ‘Art Mile’ in Berlin. Not quite as famous as Berlin’s Beer Mile, this linear gallery still puts on a fun-filled summer open-air event.

A dancing section at the Open Air Gallery in Kreuzberg

You can meet both professional and up-and-coming artists

The festival allows locals and tourists to discover hidden and well-known creatives and artists from the city and abroad. With more than 100 artists, both established and young talents, exhibiting their work at the gallery each year.

Exhibiting artists are chosen twice a year

Artists can apply for a spot at the curated open-air affair twice a year. There are separate rounds for the June exhibition and its July counterpart, ensuring a fresh, exciting show at each event.

A unique view of Oberbaumbrücke and the TV tower in Berlin

A variety of different artwork is on show

Artists present their work over a range of different mediums, segmented into four different categories: paintings, graphics, sculptures and photography.

An emphasis on art

The open-air gallery might look like a typical Berlin flea market, albeit in a unique location, however, its focus is solely on art. So while no crafts or jewellery is on offer, instead, contemporary, still life, modern and many other styles of art find a home within the gallery’s white tents.

Art can be found in unlikely places in Berlin

Visitors can join in as well

During the festival, a 120-meter long canvas is rolled out and guests are invited to create their own masterpieces by painting, drawing and doodling on the collective canvas.

Located at The Bridge that Divided East and West

When Berlin was still divided the Oberbaumbrücke was a border crossing for pedestrians. Overlooking the river Spree the sight also bore witness to many escape attempts from East to West.

One of the most recognisable and iconic bridges in Berlin

It’s not the only open-air gallery in the area

Just around the corner from Oberbaumbrücke is East Side Gallery. It’s the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall and its colourful, political and vibrant murals make it the largest, year-round open-air gallery in Berlin.

East Side Gallery is a must-see sight in Berlin

This open-air event puts you on the border of two of Berlin’s coolest neighbourhoods

Stretching between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, the Open Air Art Gallery is nestled between two trendy Berlin ‘hoods. Where cool cocktails bars, some of the city’s best clubs and tastiest eats await visitors after they’ve had their art fix.