The Romanisches Café in Berlin in the 1920s

The exhibition features everyday objects, photos, texts, film clips, and a 3-D simulation that bring the atmosphere of that era back to life.

The Romanisches Café in 1920s Berlin

In the 1920s, Kurfürstendamm—known as the “New Berlin West”—played a pivotal role in the metropolis that had only recently become Greater Berlin.

With its wide range of shopping and entertainment options, it attracted night owls, intellectuals, and tourists alike. The Romanisches Café, which served as a second home for key cultural figures, becomes the focal point of the exhibition for stories about this fascinating era and the venue itself.

A tour of the exhibition offers fascinating insights, ranging from a Charleston dance lesson video to a view of the area surrounding the Gedächtniskirche then and now. Visitors can take a seat at an original table with chairs and imagine themselves sitting on the terrace of the Romanisches Café.

The centerpiece of the exhibition allows visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Romanisches Café.

Through contemporary depictions in painting, graphic art, the press, literature, and music, the café comes to life as a magnet for the cultural avant-garde of the 1920s.

Some exhibits are being presented to the public for the first time.

• A large city map shows the multitude of shops, movie theaters, theaters, and (dance) venues in the surrounding area, accompanied by historical photographs. The multifaceted hustle and bustle “Around the Gedächtniskirche…” is brought to life through quotes, images, and informative texts.
• Visitors can explore the Romanisches Café’s interior in virtual reality, reconstructed in 3-D based on old architectural plans and photographs.
• A colorful kaleidoscope of this historic hotspot emerges through spectacular discoveries of visual material and press articles about the many personalities associated with the Romanisches Café.

The exhibition is complemented by a free supporting program, which, in cooperation with the Europa Center, offers special events such as readings and hands-on activities. The curators conduct regular guided tours of the exhibition, and group tours can be booked.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

• Participation in guided tours requires advance registration.