Berlin continues to attract those drawn by culture, history and the fine arts, with a menu of opportunities that will indulge those whose appetites for such cannot be satiated.  And with the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall rapidly approaching, visiting the city and the museums that collectively represent this monumental moment in history (like Checkpoint Charlie Museum, German Historical Museum, Allied Museum), and enjoying a concert and then a stroll through the Brandenburg Gate your time will not be better.  Offering competitive prices, Berlin represents an excellent value for today’s wise and cost conscious traveler. 

One such cultural highlight is the Royal Porcelain Manufactory KPM, that offers an inside look at the 250 year history of the making of KPM porcelain.  Purchased by Frederick the Great in 1763, Berlin’s oldest porcelain manufactory opened its doors in 2007 with a permanent exhibition on the history of what has across the ages became known as Berlin’s “white gold.”  All stages of the process are shown, from its beginning as sand and transformation into filigree porcelain, to the molding and hand painting of each delicate creation.  Classic KPM porcelain is stunningly displayed on a table that has been set to accommodate twenty four guests.  Even the refreshments offered in the adjacent café are served on KPM china.

During a late session of last year’s Berlin State Senate, temporary authorization was given to create an art hall in the shape of a “White Cube: at the location of the former GDR (communist) government building, the Palace of the Republic.  Created to host exhibits of contemporary Berlin artists until the facade of the Hohenzollern Palace (situated here prior the bombing raids of WWII) is completed, the White Cube (a 7,000 square foot cube-shaped single story pavilion designed by Viennese architect Adolf Krischanitz) will open in July.     

Between March 14 and June 1, a major retrospective will be devoted to the internationally recognized Israeli artist Dani Karavan.  Renown for his work that depicts and shows urban spaces and natural landscape is truly unique perspectives, twenty rooms on the first floor of the Martin-Gropius-Bau will provide an intimate interface and total immersion into Karavan’s work.  To augment the exhibition Dani Karavan has created exhibits that illustrate how he works, how he elects to use certain materials and the resulting metaphors that uniquely set him apart from others.

Beginning in October and running through the middle of February, 2009 Berlin’s New National Gallery will dedicate an extensive retrospective to the work of Paul Klee (1879-1940) that is appropriately billed as “The Universe of Klee – Cult of the Artist”.  Two hundred of Klee’s works that document and interpret his world will be on exhibit.  A primary focus will be on Klee’s life, his role as an artist and his interaction with contemporary artists and ideas.

Demonstrating the mixing the arts and the senses and the important role they jointly share in the overall scope of wellness, Berlin’s Liquidrom reopened in December of last year.  Liquidrom is a total wellness experience where bathers find relaxation through the simultaneous immersion into sound, color, light and salt water.  Music transmitted through underwater speakers and special lighting effects that make a unique splash of their own on the water and walls of the Liquidrom, create a watery dream like setting that washes the spirit and the body, simultaneously.  Special programs include a live harpist with trance like music that augments this totally fluid milieu. Spa treatments are also available. 

A stroll back in time (twenty years) is easily achievable with a stay at the Ostel Hotel, a vintage German Democratic Republic era furnished lodging that was formerly used as housing for communist government workers.  In contrast to is drab, colorless surroundings, the completely renovated Ostel Hotel is friendly and welcoming.  The hotel’s unique single, double, four or six bed guest rooms remain true to the communist style era and include original radios, heavy glass lamps and the portrait of the GDR’s party leader, Erich Honecker.  Located minutes from the Eastside Gallery (the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall) it is within easy walking distance to many of Berlin’s clubs, restaurants and the Friedrichshain district where the finest trendy shopping can be enjoyed.  Happy Traveling!

Photo three – Copywrite Dani Karavan)

(Photo four – Copywrite Paul Klee)