Cultural Scene in Berlin: Exhibitions to Watch in 2026 - Berlin’s 2025 art scene explodes with blockbuster exhibitions and hidden gems
Berlin’s museums are preparing for a busy year ahead, with major exhibitions planned across the city. From contemporary art to historical deep dives, the schedule includes high-profile shows at well-known venues.
Several institutions will mark milestones, while others introduce fresh themes and rarely seen collections.
The year kicks off in March with the Neue Nationalgalerie showcasing Constantin Brâncuși’s sculptures. This will be followed in April by two distinct exhibitions: Marina Abramović’s Balkan Erotic Epic at the Gropius Bau and Heavy Fabric: Traditional Dress of the Danube Swabians at the Museum of European Cultures.
In May, the Alte Nationalgalerie turns its focus to art history with an exhibition on Paul Cassirer. The show explores his pivotal role in bringing French Impressionism to Germany.
September brings the Jewish Museum’s anniversary exhibition, The Opposite of Now, reflecting on time and memory. Then, in October, the Berlinische Galerie will present works by Lovis Corinth, while the Gemäldegalerie opens Portraits! Surprising Encounters from Botticelli to Lempicka.
Later that month, the James Simon Gallery will launch an exhibition on Genghis Khan’s empire. Unlike its current shows—Gebaute Gemeinschaft, focusing on Göbeklitepe’s ancient civilizations, and Möglichkeiten einer Insel, a conceptual art display—this new exhibition will centre on historical narratives.
Finally, November marks the 30th anniversary of the Hamburger Bahnhof. The museum will celebrate with a special exhibition and a 30-hour non-stop opening event.
These exhibitions cover a wide range of themes, from ancient history to modern art. Many venues will also use the year to highlight their own anniversaries or lesser-known collections. Visitors can expect diverse programming throughout 2025 and into 2026.
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