Berlin Gay Culture

One of our favorite cultural attractions in Berlin, the DDR Museum brings you face to face with life behind the Iron Curtain. The wall divided Germany from 1961 to 1989. Life in the former east was very different. People lived with less under the Soviet system, whereas those in the west enjoyed the high living standards of capitalism. Germany was split down the middle.

Don't miss the DDR Museum. It gives you a glimpse into a lost world - a world that only ended in the last three decades.

Founded in 1985, Berlin's Gay Museum has become Europe's most important permanent exhibitions of gay culture and history.

The archival holdings, numerous contributions to research and over thirty (mostly volunteer) staff make the Schwules Museum* one of the world's largest institutions for archiving, researching and communicating the history and culture of LGBTQI communities.

Changing exhibitions and events take diverse approaches to lesbian, gay, trans*, bisexual and queer biographies, themes and concepts in history, art and culture. Closed on Tuesdays.

Volksbühne is a theatre in the heart of former East Berlin. It's known as the city's most iconic theatre. It hosts regular shows and events, including many queer performance artists. Many of the bigger productions will be staged with English subtitles. Check their website for more info about their program.

Volksbühne hosts many productions by a diverse array of artists. Their program is changing all the time.

Kino International is an arthouse cinema in former East Berlin. It was opened in the 1960s and emerged as a hub of the avant-garde, even though it was behind the Iron Curtain. It's the main venue for Berlin's huge Berlinale film festival each year.

The cinema is distinguished by its chic 1960s interior. You'll be greeted with sweeping city views from the bar. Kino International of hosts screenings of queer movies. It's quite a cultural landmark in Berlin.

Curated by Girls is an art collective dedicated to female and queer artists. Male artists had numerous platforms to use, but there were few dedicated to women. Laetitia Duveau had plugged the gap. Curated by Girls is an online art platform. It also runs an event program.

Check their website for more information about upcoming events. They also have a large Instagram presence.

The Ballery is an art gallery and art gallery based in Schöneberg, Berlin's vibrant gay district. It's a space that nurtures some of the most dynamic and experimental artists. Their exhibitions change regularly so check their website to see what's on.

A notable exhibition they hosted in 2019, Laurence Rasti – There Are No Homosexuals in Iran,  explored the lives of gay Iranian refugees.