House of the Cultures of the World

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• Two women look at the exhibited artworks Africa and Red Cloud & Sitting Bull by artist Demond Melancon (archive).

• people take part in the reopening of the House of World Cultures in Tiergarten.

• Colorful ribbons wave from the pavilion in front of the House of World Cultures.

The Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of the Cultures of the World) is located in the middle of the green Tiergarten and, with its sometimes revolutionary architecture, an important cultural venue in Berlin.

The Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) is located on the south bank of the Spree in Tiergarten. The extraordinary building was once erected as a congress hall by the Americans for the International Building Exhibition in 1957 and was a gift to West Berlin.

Revolutionary architecture

The design was created by architect Hugh Stubbins. Stubbins' design was considered architecturally and structurally revolutionary: the arched roof is particularly striking and was intended to be a symbol of freedom and democracy in addition to its structural peculiarity. A corresponding quote from Benjamin Franklin can be found in the marble wall behind the main entrance. Because of its architecture, the House of World Cultures was quickly nicknamed "Schwangere Auster ("pregnant oyster") by Berliners.

World culture under one roof

The roof structure conceals a large lecture hall with a visitor capacity of more than 1000 people, several exhibition rooms, offices and a restaurant. The lecture hall was built on a large concrete slab, which not only supports the auditorium but also serves as a roof terrace. A large water basin was created in front of the House of World Cultures. In the middle of the basin is the bronze sculpture "Big Butterfly" by sculptor Henry Moore. Since its opening, visitors have been able to experience a wide range of cultural and political events.

Reconstruction after collapse

The daring construction of the roof took its toll in 1980: rust on the front attic caused the roof to partially collapse. The hall was rebuilt for the 750th anniversary celebrations in 1987. Since then, the extraordinary building has been used primarily as an event and exhibition venue and is now one of Berlin's most important cultural venues. The House of World Cultures dedicates its programs to the search for strategies for a better coexistence of all cultures in this world.

Haus der Kulturen der Welt Information

• Address:
  John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10
  10557 Berlin
  City map
• Internet: www.hkw.de
• Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday 12 noon to 7 p.m., longer opening hours on event days
• Accessibility: Barrier-free, step-free access to the main foyer, further barrier-free entrances on the west and north sides. Access to the basement, mezzanine, auditorium and roof terrace via elevator.
• Admission Fee:
  Depending on the event, free admission every Monday and every first Sunday of the month (Museum Sunday Berlin)