Berlin’s culture budget slashed by €130 million amid rising costs and criticism

Austerity hits Berlin’s iconic arts scene hard. With €130M stripped from the budget, theaters and ballet companies brace for fewer shows—and tougher choices ahead.

, and Administrator

2025 November 17 . 9:01 AM

1 min read

This picture is clicked inside a musical concert. Here, we see three women standing and holding... — This picture is clicked inside a musical concert. Here, we see three women standing and holding violin in their hands and playing it. Here is three stands on which book is placed on it and on the right bottom of this picture, we see women sitting and listening to that music. Behind them, we see white wall on which watch is placed on it. In the left corner of this picture, we see white curtain.

Berlin’s culture budget slashed by €130 million amid rising costs and criticism

Berlin's culture budget for 2026/2027 faces significant cuts, with €130 million slashed, including €74 million next year and €56 million in 2027. This follows a €133 million reduction in 2025. The new Culture Senator, Sarah Wedl-Wilson, is continuing the broad approach of her predecessor, impacting nearly all arts disciplines.

The cuts will lead to fewer premieres, smaller casts, and reduced jobs, particularly for freelancers. Opera houses and the State Ballet will collectively manage with €6.6 million less. Wedl-Wilson has assured no institutions will close, but they must bear rising energy and material costs. Critics argue for a roadmap with bold, structural changes, such as merging the State Opera and the Deutsche Oper, to ease the budget sustainably. The feasibility of 'shared services' to cut long-term expenses is being assessed by a consulting firm. The final budget is expected in December.

Berlin's cultural sector faces substantial cuts, with impacts on jobs and performances. While no closures are expected, institutions must bear increased costs. Critics call for structural changes, and a consulting firm is assessing long-term cost-cutting measures. The final budget will be decided in December.