In the cycle of life spring represent a new and fresh beginning, where opportunities abound and the possibilities are many.  No where is this more apparent than it is with the cultural and science events being introduced and offered by the City of Berlin and the City’s Tourism Marketing Organization   For 2010 Berlin continues to attract visitors with new highlights, special exhibitions, anniversaries and much more.  Examples of the rich offerings available include spotlights on Frida Kahlo; Queen Luise; and Berlin’s Art, Laboratories and Stages and 300 Years of Science.   When visiting suggested web sites, select the language you prefer.

Beginning on March 6 and running through the end of October, 2010 is an event called Luise. Life and Myth of a Queen.  A beautiful and attractive woman, above all Luise was extremely popular among her subjects. Forward thinking in her approach to life, her attitudes and her desire for political reform, she vigorously opposed Napoleon during the difficult times at the beginning of the 19th century.  Queen Luise personified hope. With the 200th anniversary of her death, (1776-1810), Berlin is hosting three exhibitions that will focus on different aspects of Luise’s life, 1) The Life and Legend of a Legendary Prussian Queen; 2) The Queen’s Island World that presents a contemporary interpretation of the queen and her times; and 3) The Queen’s Clothes which is an exhibit of the original outfits and accessories that belonged to her and the royal family.

Frida Kahlo – Retrospective: Color art with their tragic yet fascinating motif, from April until August 9, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s colorful paintings will be exhibited at the Martin-Gropius-Bau.. During the first half of the 20th century no one knew better to combine the enigmatic culture of her home country with her own traumatic experiences. Over 170 paintings and drawings showcased along with approximately 90 drawings, some of them hitherto unpublished, that reveal lesser-known aspects of the artist’s personality, including landscapes that morph into sexual fantasies and subtly humorous plays on words and images.

Year of Sciences Berlin 2010 is a celebration of the significant anniversaries of Berlin’s influential scientific institutions.  The year 2010 is dedicated to the sciences in Berlin for The Berlin State Library turns 350 years old; the Charité Hospital and the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences both turn 300; Berlin’s Humboldt University will be 200, and the Max-Planck Society will celebrate its 100th anniversary.  Throughout the year, more than 150 special events will focus on the anniversary year, including a central exhibition of the “Year of Science”, Knowledge of the World. 300 Years of Science in Berlin, which will be staged at the Gropius Building. Dedicated to the city’s three centuries of scientific history, the exhibition looks at famous scientists and scholars from Berlin, Nobel laureates, ground breaking discoveries and significant inventions. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz worked in Berlin as the last great universal scholar, Einstein completed his Theory of Relativity and Konrad Kruse build his first computer in Berlin. “Knowledge of the Word” will feature these and other significant scientific events. September 24, 2010 until January 9, 2011.

Long Nights of Museums, Opera and Science: Berlin’s bi-annual Long Night of Museums has long been wildly popular with locals and visitors alike (more than 27,000 visitors in January 2010). On April 10, during the second Long Night of Opera and Theater, some 60 Berlin stages will demonstrate their variety, originality, and distinctiveness. From 7 pm

until 1 am, they will offer a stream of short, approximately half-hour events allowing audience members to assemble their own journey of discovery through the Berlin opera and theater scene. The program offers not just “taster” visits, but also surprises for ardent theater fans. 

Beginning on June 5 the Long Night of Sciences offers special access to scientific institutions in Berlin and Potsdam. From 5 pm until 1 am, some 70 institutions, ranging from laboratories, to libraries, to universities offer a program of presentations, lectures, experiments, but also music, performance and theater. Long Night of the Museums: On August 28 around 100 museums, large and small, featuring established and new collections will open their doors from 6 pm Saturday evening until 2 am Sunday morning. Unique music, theater and culinary events will enhance the permanent and temporary exhibitions and promise to make the nighttime museum visit a unique experience. With one ticket, patrons get unlimited use of a special shuttle bus service and admission to all participating venues and events. 

Click information about traveling to Berlin (including hotel reservations).    Happy Traveling!