Martin-Gropius-Bau
Exhibition hall in Renaissance style
The Gropius Bau is one of Berlin’s most beautiful exhibition halls. Opened in 1881 as a museum of applied arts, it now hosts major temporary exhibitions on art, photography and cultural history.
It was built by Martin Gropius, a great-uncle of Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. The central atrium with its mosaics and columns is worth the visit alone. During the Cold War the building stood right at the Wall; the main entrance had to be moved to the south side for a time because the north side lay in the border zone.
There is no permanent collection, the programme changes several times a year. What is on now is listed on the Berliner Festspiele website. Right next door are the Berlin state parliament and the Topography of Terror.
From our café about six minutes: Wilhelmstraße south, right into Niederkirchnerstraße, along the Wall section.
Our tip
Exhibitions here are large. Have breakfast with us first, then take your time.
Opening hours and prices change; current details are on the official website.
Frequently asked
What is shown at the Martin-Gropius-Bau?
Major temporary exhibitions on art, photography and cultural history. There is no permanent collection; the programme is on the Berliner Festspiele website.
Also nearby
- right next door
Weltballon (World Balloon)
Tethered balloon, 150 metres above Berlin
The Weltballon is the big white tethered balloon you can see from half of Berlin. It takes off at the corner of Zimmerstraße and Wilhelmstraße, right next to our café.
Read more - approx. 5 min walk
Checkpoint Charlie
The most famous crossing point of the Wall
From 1961 to 1990 Checkpoint Charlie was the crossing point for foreigners, diplomats and Allied soldiers between East and West Berlin. Today a replica of the guard house stands on Friedrichstraße, with the famous sign “You are leaving the American sector”.
Read more - approx. 5 min walk
Topography of Terror
Documentation centre on the former Gestapo and SS site
Between Niederkirchnerstraße and Wilhelmstraße stood, until 1945, the headquarters of the Gestapo, the SS and the Reich Security Main Office. Today a documentation centre with open-air grounds tells the story of the perpetrators of National Socialism. Admission is free.
Read more - approx. 5 min walk
Trabi Museum
The car of East Germany, up close
The Trabi Museum on Zimmerstraße shows the Trabant in all its versions: saloon, estate, open “Kübel”, racing version and conversions. Plus original adverts, brochures and stories about waiting years for your own car.
Read more
Coffee before, cake after
Typisch Berlin, Wilhelmstraße 42, right at the Weltballon. Daily from 09:00, two floors, Wi-Fi, toilets, terrace. Berliner from €2.20.
