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Daphne & Apollo Mural: A Modern Myth in Berlin

Discover Berlin's vibrant street art scene with the Daphne & Apollo Mural, a modern interpretation of a classic myth by Bosoletti & Young Jarus, featuring a hidden interactive twist.

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The Daphne & Apollo Mural, a towering piece of street art in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, reimagines the ancient Greek myth with a contemporary twist. Created in 2018 by Argentinian artist Francisco Bosoletti and Canadian artist Young Jarus as part of the Urban Nation's 'One Wall' project, the mural spans a massive 45x15 meters on the facade of a building on Wassertorstraße. What makes this mural truly unique is its hidden secret: by photographing the artwork and inverting the colors, viewers can reveal a different perspective of Daphne, shifting the power dynamic within the piece. This interactive element, combined with the artists' contrasting styles, makes it a must-see for art lovers and those seeking a unique experience in Berlin.

A brief summary to Daphne & Apollo Mural

  • Wassertorstraße 65, Berlin, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, 10969, DE
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Bring your smartphone or camera to discover the mural's hidden secret by inverting the colors of your photo.
  • Explore the surrounding Kreuzberg district for its diverse culinary scene and independent shops.
  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the mural's details and colors.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Daphne & Apollo Mural is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U1 or U3 subway line to Prinzenstraße station. From there, walk approximately 5 minutes east along Prinzenstraße, then turn left onto Wassertorstraße. The mural will be on your left at Wassertorstraße 65. A single ride ticket for the Berlin public transport system (AB zone) costs around €3.50.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Kreuzberg area, walking to the mural is a great option. From Kottbusser Tor, walk west along Skalitzer Straße, then turn right onto Wassertorstraße. The mural will be on your right after a few blocks. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from a central location in Berlin, such as Alexanderplatz, will cost approximately €15-€20 and take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Simply provide the address Wassertorstraße 65, 10969 Berlin to the driver.

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Discover more about Daphne & Apollo Mural

The Daphne & Apollo Mural, located on Wassertorstraße in Berlin's vibrant Kreuzberg district, is a striking example of contemporary street art that breathes new life into an ancient myth. Created in 2018 by Argentinian artist Francisco Bosoletti and Canadian artist Young Jarus, the mural is part of the Urban Nation Museum's 'One Wall' project, an initiative that invites internationally renowned and emerging artists to design building facades across Berlin, transforming the city's urban landscape into an open-air gallery. The mural depicts the tragic love story of Apollo and Daphne, a tale from Ovid's Metamorphoses. In the myth, Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and light, mocks Cupid, the god of love. In retaliation, Cupid shoots Apollo with a golden arrow, causing him to fall madly in love with Daphne, a nymph who valued her independence above all else. However, Cupid also shoots Daphne with a lead arrow, ensuring that she would never return Apollo's affections. As Apollo relentlessly pursues her, Daphne, desperate to escape his advances, begs her father, the river god Peneus, to transform her. Her wish is granted, and she is turned into a laurel tree. The artists, Bosoletti and Jarus, masterfully capture the essence of this poignant tale on a grand scale. The mural spans an impressive 45x15 meters, dominating the facade of the building at Wassertorstraße 65. Bosoletti portrays Daphne in a negative light, using an inverting technique that initially renders her image as a photographic negative. In contrast, Jarus depicts Apollo in a positive light, employing his signature photorealistic style to bring the god to life with vibrant colors and intricate details. This contrasting portrayal of unrequited love is not the only captivating aspect of the mural. The artists have ingeniously incorporated a hidden secret into the artwork. By photographing the mural with a smartphone or camera and then inverting the colors using a photo editing app, viewers can reveal a different perspective of Daphne. The inverted image transforms Daphne into a naturally colored figure, while Apollo dissolves into a black and white negative version. This interactive element adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the mural, encouraging viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level and contemplate the complexities of the myth. The Daphne & Apollo Mural is more than just a visually stunning piece of street art; it is a thought-provoking commentary on themes of love, desire, and transformation. The artists' clever use of contrasting styles and the hidden color inversion technique invite viewers to question their perceptions and consider the story from multiple perspectives. The mural's location in Kreuzberg, a district known for its vibrant street art scene and alternative culture, further enhances its appeal, making it a must-see destination for art enthusiasts and those seeking unique experiences in Berlin. The 'One Wall' project, of which the Daphne & Apollo Mural is a part, aims to create a dialogue between art and the urban environment. By commissioning large-scale murals on building facades, the project transforms the city into an open-air museum, making art accessible to everyone. The Daphne & Apollo Mural perfectly embodies this vision, serving as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art and its ability to enrich our lives. Visiting the Daphne & Apollo Mural offers a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of ancient mythology and contemporary street art. The mural's imposing size, combined with its intricate details and hidden secret, creates a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a seasoned art aficionado or simply looking for something different to do in Berlin, the Daphne & Apollo Mural is sure to leave a lasting impression. The mural's location on Wassertorstraße also provides an opportunity to explore the surrounding Kreuzberg district, known for its diverse culinary scene, independent shops, and vibrant nightlife. After admiring the mural, visitors can wander through the neighborhood's charming streets, discover hidden gems, and soak up the area's unique atmosphere. The Daphne & Apollo Mural stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability of art to transcend time and culture. By reimagining a classic myth in a contemporary context, Bosoletti and Jarus have created a work of art that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. The mural's interactive element and thought-provoking themes make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience, solidifying its place as a must-see destination in Berlin's vibrant street art scene.

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