Street Art in the Creative Hub of Berlin

Street Art in Berlin

Berlin’s long and complicated history has inspired a generation of forward-thinking citizens who have turned the city’s collective turmoil into something positive. Today, Berlin is recognised as one of Europe’s most artistic and vibrant cities, with plenty of excellent art galleries, museums, bars and restaurants giving the city an exciting atmosphere that few other cities can match.
In the age of political upheaval, a new kind of art emerged in the city - street art. These pieces are not just the usual graffiti, though some of that also exists, these are genuine pieces of art, that just happen to be on the streets rather than in the galleries. Berlin Wall graffiti and more have the power to inspire and shock. Experiencing the best of it is a must for any visitor to the city.
While there are tours dedicated to street art, there are no special requirements to see it - just keep your eyes open as you wander through the city and you will see your fair share. Here is a rundown of some of the best pieces.

East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery is in fact on a preserved stretch of the Berlin Wall, located in the east of the city, where the districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain meet. Extending for an impressive 1.3km, the East Side Gallery is adorned with murals responding to the history of the wall and the division it embodied. There are more than 100 pieces of art here, expressing various messages about political freedom, some of which are known internationally. Perhaps the most famous piece is by Dmitri Vrube, which depicts Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing.
The East Side Gallery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin and with good reason.

El Bocho

El Bocho is a street artist who works in and around Berlin - if you pay attention as you stroll around, you will find many examples of his work. His signature pieces involve a character named Little Lucy. The young girl is often depicted killing her cat (thankfully, in a non-gory way) with a speech bubble announcing her thoughts. He has also recently introduced a new character, named Tina Berlina. These pieces of art have the look of a comic strip and always stand out against the grey Berlin buildings. Once you know what you are looking for, these memorable works are highly recognisable and worth seeking out.

Mitte

Increasingly popular with visitors to Berlin, Mitte is an area known for its arty, bohemian atmosphere, partly reflected in the amount of street art to be found here. This alternative part of the city was formerly home to Kunsthaus Tacheles, an ex-department store that for many years was where a number of the city’s artists worked and displayed their art. Sadly, it was shut down in 2012, but the art surrounding the building still remains.
One of the most famous Mitte artists is Mr 6, an artist who has been cycling around the area with paint for nearly twenty years, marking the number ‘6’ as he goes. These appear all over town and somehow manage to capture the eccentric and rebellious spirit of the city.

Spend less on your accommodation and more having fun! Find out more about our budget hotels in Berlin.

Author: David Rickerson-Seidel

Guest Relations Manager at NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse

My name is David Rickerson-Seidel and I have been part of the NH Hotel Group since September 2015 when the first NH Collection Hotel opened in Germany. After 16 years of hotel experience, I was offered a great chance to meet people from all over the world and each time I was able to learn from them – this is one of the reason why I love my position as a Guest Relation Manager. My daily task is to fulfil our guest’s needs before they actually asking for it. With my passion for my job it is always a great pleasure to see our guests happy and smiling before they leave the hotel and I know that we have done the job right. I always say that the only thing that a guest can’t buy and book in advance is our smiling receptionist with a warm welcoming, the friendly breakfast host who would like to know if you slept well, and our elusive room maid, who is preparing the room so that it feels like home – our employees make the difference – this is why you are not checking into your room at a terminal. Whatever you need – we are always there for you.