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Bärenzwinger: From Bear Pit to Art Space

Explore Berlin's unique history at the Bärenzwinger, a former bear pit turned contemporary art space in Köllnischer Park.

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The Bärenzwinger, once home to Berlin's symbolic bears in Köllnischer Park, has been transformed into a unique art space. This historical site now hosts contemporary art exhibitions, reflecting on its past and engaging with current cultural themes.

A brief summary to Bärenzwinger im Köllnischen Park

  • Tuesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-7 pm
  • Friday 11 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Bärenzwinger to see how a former animal enclosure has been transformed into a space for contemporary art.
  • Explore Köllnischer Park, where the Bärenzwinger is located, to enjoy a green oasis in the heart of Berlin.
  • Check the Bärenzwinger's website for current exhibitions and events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Bärenzwinger is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U2 line to the Märkisches Museum station, which is the closest stop. Alternatively, you can take the U8 or S-Bahn to Jannowitzbrücke station, which is a short walk away. From either station, follow signs to Köllnischer Park; the Bärenzwinger is located within the park grounds. A single fare for public transport in Berlin (AB zone) is typically around €3.00.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Mitte district, walking to the Bärenzwinger is a pleasant option. From Alexanderplatz, head south towards the Spree River and cross the Jannowitzbrücke bridge. Continue walking along the riverbank until you reach Köllnischer Park. The Bärenzwinger is located within the park, behind the Märkisches Museum. The walk from Alexanderplatz takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

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Discover more about Bärenzwinger im Köllnischen Park

Located in Köllnischer Park, the Bärenzwinger holds a unique place in Berlin's history. Originally built in 1939, it served as a bear pit for nearly eight decades, housing generations of brown bears, the city's heraldic animals. The first bears, Urs, Vreni, Lotte, and Jule, were gifted to Berlin for its 700th anniversary. The structure itself was converted from a sanitation department building by architect Georg Lorenz. The Bärenzwinger faced numerous challenges, including near destruction during World War II. After the war, citizens rallied to clear the rubble, and the enclosure reopened in 1949. However, by the turn of the millennium, animal welfare concerns led to debates about the suitability of keeping bears in the space. The last bear, Schnute, was euthanized in 2015, marking the end of an era. Today, the Bärenzwinger has been repurposed as a cultural venue for contemporary art. It hosts exhibitions and projects that reflect on the site's history, its former inhabitants, and broader socio-cultural themes. The space aims to engage with the local community and foster dialogue through art. Visitors can explore the building, a landmark designed by Georg Lorenz, and experience the thought-provoking installations within. The Bärenzwinger stands as a testament to Berlin's evolving identity, blending history, art, and community engagement.

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