Haus der Kulturen der Welt

Haus der Kulturen der Welt – © Scholvien

– © Sabine Wenzel

The Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of World Cultures) is located in Tiergarten in the former Congress Hall and is a forum for the contemporary arts and current debates. It provides a platform for theatre and dance performances, film presentations, literature readings, conferences, exhibitions and series of events. Berlin´s most international venue!

The building was constructed in 1957 by the American architect Hugh Stubbins. as a contribution to the International Architecture Exhibition. The convention centre, which was co-funded by the U.S. government, is a symbol of German-American friendship and is there for enabling the free exchange of ideas.

The distinguishing, architectural feature is the roof that opens up in two directions and which appears to be free-floating. However, on account of building damage, parts of the roof collapsed in 1980 and it was not until 1987,on the 750th anniversary of Berlin, that the building was fully restored to its original state. In 1989, the Congress Hall became the House of World Cultures and since then it has presented various forms of art from all regions of the earth.

As part of the 750 year celebration in 1987, the Carillon, which is located next to the building and is the largest in all of Europe, was inaugurated. It is popularly referred to as the "pregnant oyster." The four slender towers are covered by a tent under which a carillon of 68 bells is suspended.