Sammlung Boros

Anselm Reyle: Life Enigma, Ohne Titel, 2008 – © Noshe

The converted bunker stands like a gloomy block on the corner of Reinhardtstrasse and Albrechtstrasse, not far from the Deutsches Theater in Berlin’s Mitte district. Inside, it hides an incredible treasure trove of contemporary art – sculpture, spatial installations, light and performance-based work of international standing.

But how do you find your way into this fabulous collection behind metre-thick walls? There are no signs telling you which way to go, no reference at all to this being a museum. It is home to the private Boros Collection, which has been housed here since June 2008 when the building opened after extensive renovation work. Collector Christian Boros lives with his family in the upper section of the bunker, while the lower floors house the collection. It consists of around 500 works in total by artists such as Damian Hirst, Olafur Eliasson, Elizabeth Peyton, Wolfgang Tillmans, Anselm Reyle, Manfred Pernice, Tobias Rehberger, John Bock, Wilhelm Sasnal and Michel Majerus.

The Boros Collection can only be viewed on the weekends as part of a guided tour, which you’ll need to book in advance via the website. It’s certainly worthwhile! This really is a great way to experience art away from the major museums and exhibition centres.