You’ve made it through the first half of the semester! Yay!
Now it’s time to rest and enjoy 10 days in Berlin with no (or very few) responsibilities. Berlin is a city that never sleeps, and there are always plenty of interesting things to do, even if you stay here.
Exhibitions
In Berlin art teems in all corners, and it’s hard to be aware of all the things there are to do, and all the art performances and exhibitions you can see.
Here’s a list of exhibitions I would see if I were in Berlin these days.
- Yero Adugna Eticha: Black in Berlin / Fotografiska Berlin – until November 10th
The exhibition showcases portraits of black people in Berlin. It all began 15 years ago with an idea: Yero Adugna Eticha wanted to make Black people in Germany visible. When around 15,000 people took to the streets in Berlin during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, the project took shape. He suddenly saw the size of the Black community and distributed several thousand postcards on the streets of Berlin to people he identified as Black. The message: an invitation to the studio.
You can find more information about the exhibition here: Yero Adugna Eticha – Black in Berlin | Fotografiska Berlin | Fotografiska Berlin
- Global Fascisms / HKW Haus der Kulturen der Welt until December 7th
The exhibition Global Fascisms presents a critical examination of the aesthetic, social, and political dynamics of fascism, focusing on its impact and ideological functioning. One of its main objectives is to understand fascism not only as a historical phenomenon, but also as an ongoing global threat that transcends a historically limited definition and manifests itself today in various political, cultural, and social contexts. The exhibition focuses on historical and current contexts in which right-wing extremist ideologies thrive, questioning concepts such as ‘identity,’ ‚community,‘ and ‚belonging.‘
Global Fascisms | HKW Haus der Kulturen der Welt
- Christopher Bauer: Kollektion / DARK MATTER Berlin
The journey through the COLLECTION is an experience in seven chapters—sometimes meditative, sometimes hypnotic, but always intense. Each work of art is structured according to its own dramaturgy, which unfolds over a longer period of time. In the velvety black rooms of a former factory site, visitors are immersed in a world of light, movement, and sound. The spectrum of artworks, some of which are interactive, ranges from intimate, small light compositions and walk-in, interactive objects to room-filling, audiovisual light shows with a 3D sound system that is unique worldwide.
Visitors are invited to linger longer in each room and allow the different facets of the works to sink in. Those who want to experience all the works on display in their entirety should spend at least 1.5 hours in the exhibition.
Kollektion | DARK MATTER Berlin
- Van Gogh: Between Genius, Masterpieces and Madness / New Media Art Center
Walk through the final years of Vincent van Gogh’s life — a time of turmoil, genius, and unforgettable beauty. Discover the man behind the myth in a deeply personal and emotional journey. Experience Van Gogh’s most iconic works like never before — brought to life through cutting-edge 360° projections, soundscapes, and motion. Stand beneath Starry Night and feel the brushstrokes surround you. This is not just an exhibition — it’s a multisensory space where technology, storytelling, and emotion blend into an unforgettable experience. Let Vincent’s letters, colors, and passion move you.
Go to a festival!
- Festival of Lights 2025 – from October 8th to October 15th
Let’s shine together!
Under this motto, Berlin celebrates the 21st Festival of Lights 2025! This year, everything revolves around unity, community, and connection. Through the diversity of light art, we tell stories that build bridges and showcase the beauty of Berlin.
Berlin will become a place for encounters and shared experiences. The Festival of Lights invites you to create connections – between people, cultures, and generations. Because light knows no barriers and unfolds its full power when shared. Experience the strength of togetherness – for together we shine the brightest!
- Voices Berlin Festival 2025 – from October 24th to November 16th
The Voices Berlin Festival is an international platform for contemporary performing arts and music. Artists from more than 20 countries present their work at numerous venues throughout Berlin. The productions range from performative sound installations and avant-garde theater experiments to dance projects. The festival, which took place for the first time in 2023, represents a variety of artistic perspectives and sees itself as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Enjoying Berlins flea markets
Berlin’s flea markets are world renowned, and I’m sure many of you have visited a few already, but there are always new flea market finds to be made. It can be hard to pick which flea market you want to visit, but I’ve written down a few that I think are worth checking out.
- Boxhagener Platz (every Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Flohmarkt im Mauerpark (every Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Nowkoelln Flowmarkt (every second Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- RAW-Flohmarkt (every Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Trödelmarkt am Marheinekplatz (every Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; every Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Wochenmarkt am Kollwitzplatz (every Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Regardless of wether you stay in Berlin or travel somewhere new, I know you will have an amazing week, full of new sights and experiences. Don’t forget to take sometime to relax and wind down – you deserve it!