House of World Cultures: A Global Stage in Berlin
Explore global cultures in Berlin's iconic 'Pregnant Oyster,' a hub for international arts, performances, and intercultural dialogue.
The House of World Cultures (Haus der Kulturen der Welt), located in Berlin's Tiergarten, is a unique cultural venue dedicated to international contemporary arts, with a special focus on non-European cultures and societies. Known by Berliners as "Schwangere Auster" (Pregnant Oyster) for its distinctive architecture, it hosts exhibitions, performances, and discussions, fostering intercultural dialogue.
A brief summary to House of World Cultures
- John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, Berlin, Mitte, 10557, DE
- +4930397870
- Visit website
- Monday 12 pm-7 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-7 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-7 pm
- Friday 12 pm-7 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-7 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-7 pm
Local tips
- Check the HKW's website for current exhibitions, performances, and events before your visit.
- Take Bus 100 for a scenic and inexpensive tour of Berlin's main sights, as it stops directly at the House of World Cultures.
- Visit the Weltwirtschaft restaurant on the Spree river terrace for refreshments and a view.
- Explore the Tiergarten surrounding the HKW for a relaxing break in nature.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Berlin Hauptbahnhof, take the U5 U-Bahn line to Bundestag station. From there, walk west towards the HKW's step-free back entrance or the Spree side entrance past the restaurant. Alternatively, take the 100 bus to the 'Haus der Kulturen der Welt' stop directly in front of the building. A single ticket for zones AB costs €3.80.
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Walking
From Berlin Hauptbahnhof, exit south towards Washingtonplatz and cross Rahel-Hirsch-Strasse. Take the Gustav-Heinemann-Brücke pedestrian bridge over the river, then turn right onto Ludwig-Erhard-Ufer. Take the stairs down to Bettina-von-Arnim-Ufer and follow the path past the Federal Chancellery to the HKW's river terrace and enter through the glass doors. This walk is less than 1 kilometer.
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Paul Loebe Building
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Memorial to the Murdered Members of the Reichstag
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Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 1
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Platz d. Republik
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Memorial to Europe's Sinti and Roma Murdered Under Nazism
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Tourist Information at Brandenburg Gate
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Richard Wagner Monument
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Alexanderufer
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Goethe Monument
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Pariser Platz
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Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Carillon
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German Chancellery
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Amazone zu Pferde
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Soviet War Memorial Tiergarten
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Tiergarten
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Spreebogenpark
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Der Rufer
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Reichstagskuppel
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Reichstag Building
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Berlin WelcomeCard - Berlins offizielles Touristenticket
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Bellevue Palace
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Global Stone Project
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Futurium
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Essential places to dine
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Restaurant Facil
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Berliner Republik
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Grill Royal
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Restaurant Esszimmer
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Pantry
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Charlotte & Fritz
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Hugos
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Restaurant Maximilians Berlin
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acht&dreissig
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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I love Berlin
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Mall of Berlin
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BERLIN STORE
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Wolford Boutique Berlin
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