May brings not only spring fever but also exciting new openings to the capital! From the long-awaited reopening of the Kino Arsenal, a new party series marking the return of the legendary SchwuZ, right through to fantastic new art exhibitions such as ‘Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism’ at the Alte Nationalgalerie, there’s something for everyone. Look forward to “Inventing Queer Cinema”, the Deutsche Kinemathek’s first special exhibition, new cafés and cultural offerings. And even getting there is easier: a new direct connection takes you from Copenhagen to the capital in comfort.
Tip 1: New train connection – direct from Copenhagen to Berlin
Hop on and ride through: from May, a new direct service will once again connect Berlin with Copenhagen without the need to change trains. The route passes through varied landscapes and runs daily between the Danish capital and Berlin. A relaxed alternative to flying and, for Berliners, ideal for spontaneous city breaks up north. You can find a full overview of direct trains to and from Berlin under ‘Travelling by train’.
When: from 1 May 2026 (daily)
Where: Departure from Berlin Hauptbahnhof, connection to Copenhagen
Tip 2: Kino Arsenal is moving to silent green
A new chapter for film culture: the long-established Arsenal is opening its cinema auditorium in the atmospheric Westhalle of the silent green Kulturquartier. With 169 seats, a grand piano in the auditorium and the ability to screen all analogue film formats, this is set to become a special venue for film culture. The Arsenal’s archive has been housed at silent green since 2015. With the opening of the cinema, all departments (cinema, Berlinale Forum / Forum Expanded, archive and distribution) are now united in one place for the first time. The Arsenal will even have its own entrance, on the north side at Plantagestraße 30. Ultimately, the Arsenal is set to find a long-term home here.
When: Opening on 3 May 2026
Where: Plantagenstraße 30, Wedding
Tip 3: Kinemathek – first special exhibition in the new premises
From early cinematic hints to radical contemporary perspectives: “Inventing Queer Cinema” brings queer film history to life as a dynamic, multi-voiced process. The focus is on filmmakers and networks that have developed their own imagery, spaces and narrative styles since the 1970s – with Berlin as a vibrant hub. Installations, archive material and film series offer new perspectives on a resistant and solidarity-based film culture.
When: 7 May to 13 September 2026
Where: Deutsche Kinemathek, Mauerstraße 79, Mitte
Celebrate our spectacular May fire, opening from 4 p.m. in the backjard of the Kulturbrauerei and enjoy the sounds of life musik close to our fireplace. Complete the night, clubbing in a viariety of clubs with 9 different floors at the area of Kulturbrauerei starting at 10p.m.
Tip 4: SchwuZ returns with a series of parties
A true piece of Berlin’s queer history is back: after bidding farewell to its Rollberg location in Neukölln, the legendary SchwuZ is making a fresh start. With a travelling party series, it is bringing its unmistakable spirit back to the city and continuing its role as a defining institution of LGBTQ+ culture. Even though the long-standing club had to give up its previous venue, the community is demonstrating remarkable resilience. A clear signal of the diversity and solidarity of Berlin’s queer scene.
The launch of this new phase will be celebrated on 16 May 2026 from 11 pm at the Metropol . This marks the SchwuZ’s symbolic return to Nollendorfplatz, a location that has always been closely linked to the city’s queer life. At the same time, the search for a new long-term home continues.
When: 16 May 2026 & further dates
Where: various venues in Berlin (kick-off at the Metropol, Nollendorfplatz 5, Schöneberg)
Tip 5: New Café Amano at the Hotel Amano
With the new Café Amano , the Berlin hotel is deliberately opening up to the street. At the takeaway window, you can get an espresso or an Aperol Spritz (for five euros for now!) to go. A special culinary highlight is the collaboration with the popular breakfast hotspot Benedict, whose delicious baked goods complement the offering. In the “Silent Garden”, you can work in a peaceful atmosphere and then enjoy a relaxing afternoon coffee on the new, hip, pink-themed “Whispering Angel” roof terrace.
When: Opening on 18 April 2026
Where: Amano, Auguststraße 43, Mitte
Hotel Amano
Tip 6: Berlin’s schnapps history: New Mampe Museum in Kreuzberg
A genuine piece of Berlin’s city history is now accessible to all: the legendary, long-established brand Mampe is opening its own museum at its Kreuzberg production facility. Hundreds of objects spanning almost 200 years will soon be on display here, telling the story of Berlin’s original spirits culture. Original pieces of furniture from the historic Mampe parlours, glasses and ashtrays featuring the legendary white Mampe elephant, and of course old photographs. The best part: admission is free and can be combined with a tasting session. The museum itself is set to open later this year, but you can already book guided tours and tastings.
When: Monday to Friday 10am–6pm, Saturdays 12pm–6pm (from July)
Where: Mampe Spirituosen Manufaktur, Am Tempelhofer Berg 6 (Entrance 2), Berlin-Kreuzberg
Tip 7: Pokémon Pokopia Garden opens on the RAW site
A small Pokémon universe is taking root in the heart of the city at the RAW site (pictured). The Pokopia Garden translates the playful world of the new life sim into a walk-in installation. It’s a place of growth and abundance, with vertical gardens, plants and terrariums inspired by the game’s style. Meet other Pokémon fans and explore the Pokopia Garden – in person and online. And of course, there are a few PokéStops hidden here for Pokémon Go players. A real Pokémon adventure – and completely free of charge.
When: until 30 June 2026, open to the public 24/7
Where: RAW Gelände, Revaler Straße 99, Friedrichshain
Tip 8: New children’s café Zwerghain
At Zwerghain, free play takes centre stage: your children can explore imaginative spaces whilst you simply relax and enjoy your coffee in a laid-back atmosphere. The play areas, featuring plenty of wood, invite the little ones to climb, build and engage in role-play. For the already very popular Sunday breakfast, served on lovingly arranged étagères, you should book a table in advance.
When: Tuesday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm
Sunday breakfast in two slots: 9 am – 10.30 am & 11 am – 12.30 pm (please book in advance)
Where: Baseler Straße 2, Lichterfelde
Tip 9: Avocado Club moves to Savignyplatz
Avocado reimagined: at the Avocado Club, the delicious green fruit is transformed into creative dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fresh ingredients, surprising combinations and a relaxed atmosphere make the Avocado Club the perfect place to enjoy a healthy meal in a relaxed and uncomplicated setting.
When: Opening on 18 April 2026
Where: Savignyplatz 11, Charlottenburg
Tip 10: More space for sound & art in Lichtenberg
In a renovated industrial building dating from 1927, a new venue for the creative scene is taking shape in Lichtenberg: around 60 rehearsal rooms offer bands and artists space for ideas, exchange and loud experimentation. The project strengthens creative structures and creates much-needed space for Berlin’s sound of tomorrow.
When: Construction starts from 15 April 2026, letting to take place gradually
Where: Berliner Rockhaus, Buchberger Straße 4, Lichtenberg
Tip 11: Luftschloss on Tempelhofer Feld opens its new season
The Luftschloss is opening its doors once again, bringing theatre, concerts, readings and family programmes to the open-air amphitheatre right on Tempelhofer Feld. The stage will be hosted by Atze Musiktheater. Alongside children’s plays, such as the legendary Neinhorn, you can look forward to improv theatre, concerts, dance evenings and comedy. Tickets are now available in advance. And of course, the Luftschloss Cafeteria is back, inviting you to linger over drinks and snacks. Grab your loved ones and make yourselves comfortable in one of the large beach chairs around the amphitheatre.
When: 14 May to 13 September
Where: Luftschloss, Tempelhofer Feld (entrance opposite Tempelhof S-Bahn station), Tempelhof
And also:
- O'Donnels Moonshine lädt zur Eröffnung der Jars Bar in der Lychener Straße 39 im Prenzlauer Berg. Zum neuen Barkonzept gibt es auch eine neue Sorte, nämlich Himbeere.
- Back by the Spree: From 9 May, 10am–6pm, the EcoMarkt in Schöneweide is once again inviting you to the field by the AEG building on the Spree. Look forward to street food, regional produce and creative ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.
Fancy more new openings? Click here!
