Haus am Lützowplatz (House on Lützowplatz)

One of Berlin's main cultural centres is housed in a 19th-century building on Lützowplatz. A venue for contemporary art, the House hosts works by both German and international artists. Many different genres of art are exhibited, from photography and painting to cutting-edge conceptual art. Complementing the programme of events are regular film screenings, performances and talks from international personalities from the worlds of culture, business, art and science. Yet the House on Lützowplatz is not only for established figures from the art scene. On the contrary, it gives a platform to emerging artistic and curatorial talent. Attracting a diverse audience, the centre hosts up to eight different exhibitions annually.

An eventful past: contemporary art and culture in one historic house

In 1873, architect Wilhelm Neumann starts work on his house with its striking neo-baroque façade on Lützowplatz, one of Berlin's most attractive squares. After Jewish families are evicted from their properties in 1938, the building is taken over by an association of Berlin artists. In 1943, it is damaged heavily in bombing raids. During the post-war era, it is rebuilt and in 1950, Lützowplatz cultural centre opens. This new Berlin art institution focuses on classic modernist paintings by the likes of Chagall or Kokoschka. Leading social democrats and trade unionists from West Berlin found an arts promotion association in 1961, with the aim of breathing life into the cultural world of Berlin. This new association buys the building known as House on Lützowplatz and begins to develop it from a cultural club to a wider centre for contemporary art and social discussions. In the House on Lützowplatz you will find modern artworks within 19th-century interiors. The entrance to the building gives a good flavour of what the house is about. Leading into the house via what used to be a window is a metal staircase sculpture by Volkmar Haase. Inside, there are two main exhibition rooms, featuring their original baroque interiors. In total, there is 240 square metres of exhibition space available in the front building. The bright rooms of this former mansion allow visitors to experience works in a relaxed and private atmosphere. The smaller rooms in the side wings usually host smaller exhibitions. Another outstanding feature of the house is its courtyard garden which strikes the perfect balance between tranquil back garden and modern art space.

Highlights of the centre

• Entrance stairway sculpture created by Volkmar Hasse (1988)
• Two exhibition rooms of 210 square metres and 70 square metres
• Lectures by international figures
• Information on the Percent for Art government funding initiative
• Courtyard garden and terrace

Other things to see near House on Lützowplatz

Just 400 metres from the House on Lützowplatz is the Bauhaus Archive, a design museum which is devoted to the 20th-century Bauhaus movement in art, design and architecture. At the Archive you can find out about famous teachers and students, and learn about the influence of the Bauhaus. You can also see the world's largest collection of objects connected to the famed movement. Located just around the corner on Lützowstraße, the Gay Museum explores LGBT identity, culture and history. The museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions, and has an extensive library covering more than 1,600 square metres.

Our tips for your House on Lützowplatz visit

The House on Lützowplatz can be easily reached by public transport: simply take the U1, U2, U3 or U4 underground lines to Nollendorfplatz. From here, it is a seven minute walk to your destination. Alternatively, take bus lines 100, 106, 187 or M29 straight to Lützowplatz. Admission is free, except for special events.

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