A Brief History Of Berlins Kulturbrauerei

For many years, Berlin has been a city of flourishing artistic and cultural venues converted from industrial spaces. The availability of these vacant and malleable warehouses and factory complexes has played an important role in attracting creatives, musicians, and entrepreneurs from all over the world to the German capital. One such area is Kulturbrauerei in the city’s eastern district of Prenzlauer Berg.
While today, Kulturbrauerei is largely associated with Christmas Markets, open-air concerts, theatrical productions, and dance classes, it actually harbors a good deal of historic significance. Spanning across 25,000 square meters, this ‘Culture Brewery’ gets its name from the fact that it was originally used for the purpose of manufacturing and selling of Bavarian-style beer. It remained as such for several decades.

The Kulturbrauerei has since been renowned for its red brick 19th century construction, which was remarkably well preserved even following the catastrophic damage the city sustained during WWII. During the war itself, the Kulturbrauerei was converted into a hub for arms production in addition to housing Nazi prisoners of war.

Clockwise from the top: © Mihael Grmek/WikiCommons

Now, it stands as one of the last structures that remains intact from Berlin’s industrial era. In 1974, it was even declared a monument, and has been officially protected under this title ever since. TLG Immobilien GmbH, the company in charge of its upkeep, has taken great care to restore the complex to its original glory. Each of the 20 buildings that comprise it bears a sign on the façade indicating its original purpose.

Because of its prominence behind the Berlin Wall, a museum also opened on the grounds of the Kulturbrauerei in 2013, highlighting the goings on of everyday life in the GDR. Here, visitors can catch a rare glimpse at this astounding era in history, portrayed in a refreshingly authentic way.

So the next time you’re perusing the Kulturbrauerei, surrounded by the inviting hues of rust-red brick or sipping a cool beverage in one of its six courtyards, you can do so armed with the knowledge that you’re in the presence of a historical gem of unique distinction.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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