Featured Events in Berlin in May, 2025 (July Updated)

YOKO ONO: DREAM TOGETHER at Neue Nationalgalerie is an exhibition featuring works from across Ono’s groundbreaking career. The exhibition invites viewers to move beyond passive observation and engage in active participation – both physically and mentally. Often beginning on an individual level, these actions evolve into broader collective efforts, demonstrating the transformative power of communal actions in working toward peace and imagining a different world. The works invite collective actions of repair, healing, cleaning, mending, wishing, imagining, and dreaming. Before entering the exhibition, visitors are invited to engage in a moment of self-reflection through Cleaning Piece (1996). Piles of local river stones are arranged, prompting visitors to reflect on their joys and sorrows. This is followed with instructions to fold paper cranes for peace, gradually filling the exhibition space. In Mend Piece (1966), visitors take part in an act of repair, piecing together broken ceramic cups and “mending with wisdom and love.” The exhibitions central installation, Play It By Trust (1966/1991), features a large chess table where up to 20 players can simultaneously engage in the nearly impossible act of playing with all white chess pieces, challenging them to “play as long as you remember where all your pieces are.”

The Berlinische Galerie has devoted over 1000 square metres to presenting its collection. Waiting to be discovered among the roughly 250 works on show are paintings, prints, photographs, architecture and archive materials rarely or never displayed before. Walking around this exhibition is like time travel and takes visitors through Berlin in 17 chapters: the Kaiser’s era, the Weimar Republic, the Nazi dictatorship, the new beginnings after 1945, Cold War in the divided city, and the counter-cultures and unconventional lifestyles that evolved in East and West under the shadow of the Wall. In East Berlin, an alternative art community developed from the late 1970s. In West Berlin from the late 1970s, aggressive art by the “Neue Wilden” placed the divided city back in the international limelight.

LAS Art Foundation is pleased to present Pollinator Pathmaker, a living artwork and participatory project conceived by artist Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg. This impactful initiative in interspecies art uses algorithmic technology to generate planting schemes for gardens, computed to support the greatest diversity of pollinating insects possible. It signals a shift toward the post-anthropocentric thinking necessary to face the current climate and biodiversity crises, and toward the non-human aesthetics and experimental formats that pave the way. Ambitious and future-minded, it is exemplary of how art can act as a driver for change, and offer new perspectives on our shared planet. Growing in the forecourt of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, the LAS- commissioned garden will be the first edition outside of the UK. LAS has committed to amplifying Pollinator Pathmaker’s impact by undertaking an extensive public campaign, which calls upon local communities, hobby gardeners and activists to get involved in pollinator protection by planting their own version of the artwork – what the artist refers to as DIY Editions – via Ginsberg’s free online tool: www.pollinator.art. Responding to the alarming decline in pollinator populations in recent decades, Ginsberg has worked with horticulturalists, pollinator experts and an AI scientist to devise an algorithmic tool that designs bespoke gardens for pollinating insects. Supported by the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, the LAS Edition will be customised for Continental Europe, and will feature more than 7,000 plants of 80 different varieties, planted over a 722-square-metre plot.

The International Spy Museum is proud to host this official exhibition of iconic vehicles, all used on-screen by 007 and his many allies and adversaries. While James Bond is a fictional character, he embodies the spirit of many real spies in this museum. These men and women, from around the world, were inspired by over six decades of the Bond film franchise and its enduring cultural influence. Bond In Motion is a celebration of six decades of 007 vehicles. The exhibition features 17 iconic pieces from the EON Productions Archive and the Ian Fleming Foundation. Props, models scale and clips from the films are also on show alongside cars, motorcycles, submarines, and more from the Q Branch garage.

Already 2,000 years ago, the emperors of China had portraits of loyal officials and generals made in order to display them in their palaces. This presentation features depictions of meritorious officers that the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736–1795) had commissioned for their display in the hall of fame Ziguangge to demonstrate his power and legitimacy. In the 20th century they became spoils of war not one but two times. Located adjacent to the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Ziguangge is a two-storey pavilion. During the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1736 – 1795), the building was a venue for military rituals and banquets and housed paintings with battle scenes of the imperial military campaigns and portraits of meritorious officers.

Marking twenty years since artist, writer and performer Vaginal Davis made Berlin her home, Gropius Bau presents the first comprehensive solo exhibition of her work in Germany. In her expansive oeuvre, punk meets glamour, queer activism meets Black counter-culture and resistance meets desire. Vaginal Davis: Fabelhaftes Produkt features large-scale installations, paintings, video and film works, zines, writing, music and performances, offering an overview of Davis’ practice and artistic collaborations. In the exhibition, the Berlin-based art collective CHEAP presents the installation Choose Mutation, with photographs by Annette Frick. Fabelhaftes Produkt invites you into the universe of Vaginal Davis, populated by literary heroines, mythical figures and real icons.

From spring 2025, the Gropius Bau will present a comprehensive solo exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking and influential work of artist and activist Yoko Ono. Spanning seven decades of the artist’s powerful, multidisciplinary practice from the mid-1950s to now, YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND will trace the development of her innovative work and its enduring impact on contemporary culture. The exhibition brings together over 200 works including instruction pieces and scores, installations, films, music and photography, revealing a radical approach to language, art and participation that continues to speak to the present moment.

This special exhibition, presented in the staircase hall of the Neues Museum, offers a dialogue on the meaning of time, mortality and the connection between past and present. Contemporary art meets historical space, refers to ancient models and offers a modern adaptation of the classical reception of the myth of the Dioscuri, who walk eternally between death and life.

Klára Hosnedlová's exhibition at the iconic Hamburger Bahnhof National Gallery for Contemporary Art combines sculpture, performance and mixed media to create a unique sensory experience. The art exhibition will run from May 1 to October 26, 2025, inviting visitors to learn about history, reflect on the present and dream about the future.

The exhibition is aimed at gamers of all ages, but also at visitors who have little experience with computer games. The fact that computer games have developed into a leading medium is no longer a daring thesis. The social and aesthetic significance of the interactive and multimedia medium can no longer be overlooked. The computer game has freed itself from its origins as a laboratory experiment and toy and has become "the" medium of digital society, somewhere between pop culture, entertainment and art. With the opening of the exhibition »The World of Games« in the fall of 1997, the ZKM was one of the first art institutions worldwide to give video game culture a permanent public platform in an art context. Since then, the ZKM has repeatedly reshaped the presentation of games in a series of different exhibitions.

Galerie Bastian presents a solo exhibition of new photographs by renowned photographer and film director Wim Wenders, opening on the occasion of Gallery Weekend Berlin.

Georg Schweinfurth was not just a renowned explorer of the African continent, but also a pioneer of Egyptology.Thanks to his botanical expertise, he played a crucial role in the scientific advancement of the field.To mark the 100th anniversary of his death, Schweinfurth’s legacy will now be honoured in a special exhibition organised by the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung.

Aurah Jendafaaq presents EuroBangers (Drag Show with Eurovision Bangers from past and present w/ Aurah Jendafaaq, Queen Justmean, Yenny Stark, Aqua Kaliente, Oriana Nye, Lola Limonero & Leorah Jendafaaq) Doors at 18h Happy Hour 18h-19h Show 19h30-22:00 --- <3 WELCOME TO TIPSY BEAR BERLIN <3 this event, like any event at Tipsy Bear Berlin, is a safer space designed and operated by and for LGBTQIA+ people and BIPOC. We stand firmly against racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and hate of any kind. We stand FOR abundance, consensual pleasure, communal joy, and full presence. Come with respect and kindness. Our bar is wheelchair accessible. We are a smoking bar, guests must be 18+ to enter. NOTE: A ticket for this event does not guarantee your stay or entry. Our staff has the final say. If you are not respectful to our safer space - if there is any complaint from our staff, artists, or guests - then you will be turned away or asked to leave and your ticket will be refunded. Information Source: Tipsy Bear Berlin | eventbrite

LA FIESTA DE LA SALSA LEGENDARIA Das SALSA-LIVE-EVENT in der Mitte von Berlin! LIVE MUSIK von CONEXIÓN feat. Mayelis, tanzen ohne Ende, Cocktails und After-Show-Party! Fantastische DJ-Sets von DJ FISMO Kuba und Salsa-Tanzanleitung zu Beginn mit Fismo. SALSA, SON CUBANO, CHA CHA CHÁ, TIMBA, REGGAETON...! Ab 19:30 h Einlass Ab 20:00 h Tanzanleitung mit Fismo Ab 21:00 h Live Musik von CONEXIÓN und heiße Musik zum Tanzen von DJ FISMO Kuba 100% Live __________________________________ EN ESPAÑOL ¡LA FIESTA DE LA SALSA LEGENDARIA ! SALSA - LIVE y CALIENTE CONEXIÓN - Salsa Live Band feat Mayelis, DJ Sets y clase de baile con DJ Fismo Kuba 19:30 h: Entrada 20:00 h: Clase de baile con Fismo 21:00 h: Música en vivo de CONEXIÓN feat. Mayelis y luego música caliente de DJ Fismo Kuba para bailar. 100% en vivo! Information Source: Pfefferwerk Events | Pfefferberg Haus 13 | eventbrite

EXO Berlin - Special Edition on Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation 2025 is set to be a groundbreaking event, taking place at the prestigious Adlershof con.vent. in Berlin, Germany, from May 27 to May 28, 2025. This special edition promises to be a pivotal gathering for innovators and experts in the field of rehabilitation technology. With cutting-edge discussions and demonstrations, it will spotlight the latest advancements in robot-assisted rehabilitation, a field rapidly transforming healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art robotic solutions designed to enhance patient recovery and mobility. The event will feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking sessions, fostering collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, and practitioners. As Berlin's vibrant atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop, EXO Berlin - Special Edition on Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation 2025 is poised to inspire and drive the future of rehabilitation technology.

#dalvivo Finissage zur Ausstellung „Brutalist Italy“ Performance mitSofya Shaikut, Carlos A. Segovia Finissage „Brutalist Italy“. Performance GEGENSÄTZE. DER GEIST DES BRUTALISMUS – Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Berlino - ---- Mit der Anmeldung über die Plattform Eventbrite erklären Sie sich mit den Datenschutzbestimmungen von Eventbrite einverstanden. https://www.eventbrite.de/help/de/articles/363929/f-a-fragen-und-antworten-zum-eu-datenschutz-von-eventbrite/ Information Source: Italienisches Kulturinstitut Berlin | eventbrite

Monstrous like Medusa, beautiful like Aphrodite, faithful like Penelope – many women from ancient mythology are known primarily as stereotypes of traditional female roles. Inspired by a surge in new readings of these myths, the Antikensammlung (Collection of Classical Antiquities) is taking a fresh look at the goddesses and heroines.

Monstrous like Medusa, beautiful like Aphrodite, faithful like Penelope – many women from ancient mythology are known primarily as stereotypes of traditional female roles. Inspired by a surge in new readings of these myths, the Antikensammlung (Collection of Classical Antiquities) is taking a fresh look at the goddesses and heroines.

Mark Bradford, with his layered forms, materials and conceptual complexity, explores the social and political structures that reify marginalized communities and vulnerable groups. As Bradford's first solo exhibition in Germany, it also marks the reopening of the historic Rick Hall of the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum. On display are 19 works he has created over the past 20 years. The exhibition will travel to the Aijulie Pacific Museum in Seoul in August this year and will be exhibited at the Kunstmuseum Bern in Switzerland in February next year.

Donkeys are one of the earliest farm animals raised by humans. This exhibition will use paintings, sculptures, pottery, papyrus and other objects collected by the Egyptian Museum and the Near Eastern Museum in Berlin to detail the use of donkeys in different fields such as agriculture, military and religion in the ancient world, and present the importance of donkeys to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia from different perspectives. People often think that donkeys are stubborn, stupid and lazy, but they don’t know that this idea is based on prejudice based on misunderstanding of donkeys’ behavior. In fact, donkeys are smart, loyal and self-reliant animals. Donkeys mainly play an important role in civilian life, but they can also be used in military scenes, taking on the responsibility of carrying food and equipment, and calming excited horses.

This showcase exhibition at the Neues Museum is dedicated to one of the first animals to be domesticated by humans: the donkey.The particular significance of this widely underestimated grey animal in the contexts of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia is presented here from a range of different perspectives, ultimately revealing one key detail: the donkey was utterly indispensable in the ancient world.

2025 marks a century since became established, and today its applications are predicted to enact a paradigm shift in our world. Following two years of research and rare access to a , Laure Prouvost presents a multi-sensory new work with LAS.

Images of plants, flowers and birds are besides landscapes and figures among the most popular motifs in painting and graphic arts from Japan. These motifs were also frequently employed as decoration in the design of ceramics, lacquerware and other utensils. Certain blossoms, plants and birds indicate the season and combinations of several elements may hint at the frequent change and passing of time. The tension between regular change and cyclical repetition is particularly palpable in images of the four seasons and makes most of the interplay between limited individual existence and the eternity of nature as depicted for in art. This selection of art works from the museum holdings welcomes a new spring. As we rejoice in the blossoms, we can not help but notice, especially against the ecological challenges of our time, their vulnerability and impermanence.

Die Berliner Stage Company bringt 2025 mit Um Mitternacht (WhenMidnight Strikes) die nächste Musical-Deutschlandpremiere auf die Bühne des ATZE Musiktheaters.Silvester 1999 – während sich die Welt fragt, ob zum Jahrtausendwechsel Computer abstürzen und das Chaos ausbricht, gerät in einem schicken New Yorker Apartment eine ganz andere Welt ins Wanken.Jennifer West hat sich den letzten Abend des Jahres anders vorgestellt. Als selbsternannte Little Miss Perfect wollte sie die Party der Partys schmeißen – doch dann erfährt sie, dass ihr Mann sie betrügt. Die Kontrolle verlieren? Keine Option. The show must go on... Also wahrt sie die Fassade der perfekten Gastgeberin, während ihr Apartment sich mit einem bunten Mix an skurrilen Gästen füllt. Vom selbstverliebten Aufreißer über die männerfastende Freundin der Familie bis hin zum nerdigen Boss mit Sozialphobie – jeder bringt seine eigene Geschichte und Dynamik mit. Doch je mehr die Nacht voranschreitet, der Champagner fließt und die Stimmung steigt, desto mehr bröckelt die Fassade – und Jennifer erkennt, dass sich die Affäre ihres Mannes unter den Gästen befinden muss. 🎭 Um Mitternacht (When Midnight Strikes) ist ein vielschichtiges Musical von Kevin Hammonds & Charles Miller, das pointierte Dialoge und humorvolle Eskalationen meisterhaft verbindet. Die liebevoll gezeichneten Figuren, die zunächst wie Karikaturen erscheinen, entwickeln sich zu facettenreichen Persönlichkeiten, die berühren, unterhalten und zum Nachdenken anregen. Charles Millers mitreißende Musik kombiniert große Balladen, freche Comedy-Nummern und feinfühlige Ensemblesongs. So entfaltet sich nach und nach eine Geschichte voller Spannung, Humor und unerwarteter Emotionen. ✨ Erlebt mit uns eine unvergessliche Silvesternacht in New York - voller Geheimnisse, Wendungen und mitreißender Musik - wo sich bei einer exklusiven Dinnerparty die Wege und Schicksale von zwölf Menschen kreuzen 🎶🥂 Buch und Liedtexte von Kevin Hammonds Musik von Charles Miller Deutsch von Wolfgang Adenberg Die Berliner Stage Company e.V. ist ein gemeinnütziger Verein und freut sich, möglichst vielen Mitgliedern die Chance zu geben, ihr Talent auf der Bühne zu zeigen. Daher sind die Rollen in „Um Mitternacht (When Midnight Strikes)“ doppelt besetzt. Bitte achtet beim Ticketkauf darauf, welche Besetzung an eurem gewählten Termin spielt, damit ihr genau die Vorstellung erlebt, die ihr sehen möchtet. 🎭✨ TriggerwarnungDas Musical „Um Mitternacht (When Midnight Strikes)“ behandelt erwachsene Themen, darunter Beziehungsdramen, Untreue, psychische Belastungen und den Umgang mit persönlichem Verlust, einschließlich der Thematik einer Fehlgeburt. Zudem enthält die Inszenierung starke Sprache, Anspielungen auf Alkohol- und Drogenkonsum sowie implizite Darstellungen von Sexualität. Da das Stück emotionale und ernste Themen anspricht, empfehlen wir den Besuch für Zuschauer:innen ab 12 Jahren. Falls ihr unsicher seid, ob bestimmte Inhalte für euch oder Begleitpersonen geeignet sind, kontaktiert uns gerne vorab. Wir möchten, dass sich alle wohl und sicher fühlen. Information Source: Berliner Stage Company e.V. | eventbrite

Theme: KATHAK DANCE - Indian Classical Dance Workshop for Beginners Level II Deepen Your Kathak Skills! You have basic Kathak knowledge or haven’t danced in a while? This 4-day intensive workshop is designed for beginners with prior experience. Refine your steps and movements with expert guidance in a small group (max. 6 participants) for personal attention. Live Tabla and vocal accompaniment will enhance your learning experience. The workshop consists of two parts, each lasting 6 hours, structured to build upon each other for a comprehensive learning experience. If you don't have any prior knowledge of Kathak Dance, check out our introduction into Kathak Dance. And if you would like to delve even deeper into the world of Kathak, come and join our regular classes. DATES & TIMES: Thu/Fri 1.-2. May 10:00 am - 01:00 pm (Part 1)Sat/Sun 3.-4. May 10:00 am -01:00 pm (Part 2)Language: English/German WHAT AWAITS YOU Kathak hand movements and gesturesPosture and body movementexpressive storytelling in Kathak DanceFoot percussion (Tihai)Dance sequences (Tukra) that you can practise and dance independently after the workshop.Personal and detailed feedback and help to improve and learn your dance skills2 choreographied pieces (Vandana, Tarana)Practice of the rhythmic dance language of Kathak (Padhant). Handout includedNotation of dance compositions in Teental. Handout includedlive music accompaniementand lots of dancing, learning and practising togetherPRICE Part 1 (1.-2. May) : 110,00 € Part 1 & Part 2 (1.-4. May): 210,00 € REGISTRATION REQUESTED (Prior to Saturday morning) Email: academy@kathakdance.de Subject: REGISTRATION KATHAK DANCE (W2) Information Source: Ioanna Srinivasan | eventbrite

In this new format improvised comedy show, comedian & host Žana Fejzić (BIH/USA) with the help of local Berlin comics will determine how petty your problems are in a mock trial. You, the audience, get to play jury & decide on a guilty or innocent verdict. 👩🏼‍⚖️ Find out if the punishment fits the crime! Like Judge Judy (or Barbara Salesch for the Germans) but nicer! ⚖️ 👩🏼‍⚖️ HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Before the show begins at the door you'll find a QR code to scan to submit your petty problem anonymously. Your problem remains anonymous unless you wish to state it's yours. 🗓️ WHEN: Thursday, 1. May, 2025 Show begins 20:30 Doors open 20:00 📍 WHERE: Z-Bar Bergstraße 2 10115 Berlin 🎟️ TICKETS: Starting from €12 when booked online €15 at the door, cash or card (subject to availability) 💁🏼‍♀️ ABOUT ŽANA (BIH/USA): Born in Bosnia, raised in Florida, and living in Berlin, Žana’s comedy mirrors her eclectic cultural background and is best described as Balkan pessimism battling delusional American positivity sprinkled in with reggaeton flair. Within 5 months of starting comedy she became a finalist in the 2022 Berlin New Stand Up Awards and is now hosting & producing shows in Berlin & across Europe. She has opened for a variety of comedians across Europe such as Dragos Christian, Dwayne Perkins, Rob Anderson & Elena Gabrielle. You can catch her perform regularly in Berlin to hear her fresh take on the absurdity of immigration laws, her Balkan background, and growing up in Florida. Žana hosts & produces themed & interactive comedy shows in Berlin & beyond, such as the Berlin Comedy Dating Game Show, Funny Fortunes (a comedy & live tarot reading show), Comedy Confessions (an introvert-friendly themed interactive comedy show), Petty Problems (a comedy mock trial show), & more. IG @zanafejzic www.zanafejzic.com ✨ WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: Information Source: Zana Fejzic Comedy | eventbrite