To mark its fifth anniversary, the Humboldt Forum is opening its doors and offering exclusive glimpses behind the scenes. Experts will provide insights into the infrastructure of complex public buildings, using the Humboldt Forum and the Palace of the Republic as examples – offering a glimpse into the history of the site, both past and present.
Image gallery
Blick auf die Nordfassade
11:00–12:00 From the Palace Cellars to the Cellars of the Humboldt Forum
with David Hornschuh, Head of Event Technology and Management, and Dr Alfred Hagemann, Head of Site History
Cellars are almost never open to the public – and yet they are central to the running of large public buildings. Whether in the historic Berlin Palace or, today, in the Humboldt Forum: the cellars house much of the infrastructure that enables the halls and suites of rooms ‘above ground’ to function. This guided tour offers a glimpse into the historical infrastructure of the Berlin Palace from the Middle Ages to the Imperial era in the palace cellars, followed by an exclusive look behind the scenes at the modern facilities in the cellars of the Humboldt Forum.
Recommended for ages 12 and over, max. 20 participants
15:00–16:30 In the footsteps of the Palace of the Republic
with Dr Judith Prokasky, curator of the History of the Site department at the Humboldt Forum Foundation
and historian Dr Thomas Beutelschmidt
The Palace of the Republic has been demolished. Whether and how it should be commemorated remains a matter of debate. A museum curator and an expert on the Palace will discuss the forum and function of the Palace of Culture at its historic site. Together with the guests, they will explore how the Palace of the Republic can be rediscovered in its successor building, the Humboldt Forum.
11:00–12:30; 14:00–15:30; 16:00–17:30 Sustainable technology for art and culture at the Humboldt Forum
With Martin Streckert, Head of the Buildings Team.
These special guided tours offer insights into the building’s complex technical infrastructure, thereby providing an understanding of the diverse uses of the building, which is more than just a museum – and is different from what its façade might suggest.
17:00–18:00 Right at the heart of it. Favourite spots and stories
5 years of the Humboldt Forum – from the perspective of the Visitor Services and Security teams
How do staff in Visitor Services and Security experience the Humboldt Forum? Where do they feel particularly at home, which exhibits are among their personal highlights, and what stories do they encounter every day with the venue’s visitors?
Hosted by the management, five staff members from the service subsidiary will present their favourite spots and share some behind-the-scenes insights along the way.
Over the course of 60 minutes, the tour will take in key areas in and around the building.
- €5 per person. Ticket required
- The meeting point will be stated on the ticket.
- Language: German
- Belongs to: Five Years Open
