Culture

Introduction

In the decade or so since the fall of the Wall, Berlin has emerged as one of Europe's most culturally vibrant cities, infused with a unique blend of Western and Eastern European cultures. There are world-class theatre and opera performances and a comprehensive array of museums and galleries to choose from. Beyond this, there are all the expressions of the counterculture for which Berlin is famous, particularly in Kreuzberg, Neukölln and Friedrichshain.

Tickets to cultural events are available from Visit Berlin (tel: (030) 250 025; www.visitberlin.de) or directly through most venues. Tourist information offices sell tickets for the day's events at up to 50% reduction.

Music 

Philharmonie
The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is renowned worldwide and its sublime performance space, the Philharmonie, matches their reputation. Within the venue, the Kammermusiksaal der Philharmonie hosts chamber players, soloists and small orchestras. 

Herbert-von-Karajan-Strasse 1, 10785 Berlin
Tel: (030) 2548 8999.
Website: www.berliner-philharmoniker.de 

Staatsoper Unter den Linden
The premier venue for opera, ballet and concerts was built in the 18th century, as the Court Opera House. Today, the State Opera House is under the artistic and musical direction of Daniel Barenboim and stages classical and modern opera, as well as ballet, operettas and concerts. 

Unter den Linden 7, 10117 Berlin
Tel: (030) 2035 4555.
Website: www.staatsoper-berlin.de

Theatre and Dance

Berliner Ensemble
The neo-baroque Berliner Ensemble was built before the turn of the century, as the Neues Theater. It was taken over by Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel and its resident company continues to show performances from Brecht's works, as well as classical and modern pieces, making it a place of homage for any Brecht fan. 

Bertolt-Brecht-Platz 1, 10117 Berlin
Tel: (030) 284 080.
Website: www.berliner-ensemble.de

Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz
For non-conformist and unconventional theatre and dance, the Volksbühne (‘people's stage') is one of the top venues in Berlin and its modern reinterpretation of drama and productions of new writing are often the talk of the town. Performances are normally only in German, however.

Linienstrasse 227, 10178 Berlin
Tel: (030) 240 655.
Website: www.volksbuehne-berlin.de