An exhibition at the original location
The pop-up exhibition covers an area of 130 square meters and is dedicated to the legendary Romanesque Café, its visitors and the important role that the café and its surroundings played in the "golden" 1920s in Berlin during the Weimar Republic. The exhibition presents everyday objects, photos, texts, film clips and a 3D simulation that revive the flair of that time.
The Romanisches Café in Berlin in the 1920s
In the 1920s, the Kurfürstendamm as the "New Berlin West" was of outstanding importance in the megacity that had just become Greater Berlin. With its comprehensive range of consumption and entertainment, it attracted night owls, intellectuals and tourists alike. The Romanesque Café, which served as a second home for key cultural players, becomes the focal point in the exhibition for narratives about this fascinating time and the place itself.
A tour of the exhibition offers fascinating insights, from a Charleston dance class video to a look at the area around the Memorial Church then and now. Visitors can sit at an original table and chairs and imagine sitting on the terrace of the Romanesque Café.
The center of the exhibition allows visitors to immerse themselves in the experience space of the Romanesque Café.
Through contemporary depictions in painting, graphics, the press, literature and music, the café comes to life as a center of attraction 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, cinemas, theaters and (dance) bars in the area, accompanied by historical photographs. The multi-faceted hustle and bustle "We're around the Memorial Church..." is brought to life through quotes, pictures and informative texts. The premises of the Romanesque Café can be visited in virtual reality, which were reconstructed in 3D using old building plans and photographs. A colorful kaleidoscope about this historical hotspot is created through spectacular finds of images and press articles about the many personalities who were connected to the Romanesque Café.
The exhibition is complemented by a free supporting program, which offers special events such as readings and participation activities in cooperation with the Europa Center. The curators regularly guide tours of the exhibition and it is possible to book group tours.
Entry to the exhibition is free of charge.
Zeitreisen offers guided tours for curators.