What is Kunsthaus Tacheles?
Kunsthaus Tacheles was a vibrant art center situated on Oranienburger Straße in Berlin, Germany. It gained popularity as a symbol of artistic freedom and expression in the city. Translated from German, “Kunsthaus Tacheles” means “Art House Straight Talk.”
A Brief History
:Originally constructed as a department store at the turn of the century, that noble edifice withstand two World Wars, the division of Berlin in the Cold War period. After the events of November 9th, 1989, the building turned into a shelter for artists who were in desperate need of cheap studios and space for their exhibitions.
Afterwards the house has metamorphosed into cross between an art gallery and cultural center where Tacheles offered futuristic art exhibits, performance arts, occasional concerts, movie theater, clubbing space and a workshop. The much grander exterior, the doors of the building became filled with different colors of graffiti and murals; the characteristics of arts and artists encapsulated.
A Symbol of Artistic Freedom
Kunsthaus Tacheles is widely associated with creativity and unconventional approach to life and art. What it offered was a platform that allowed artists from all walks of life and with any kind of creativity to assemble and create and perform freely. It also served as an another art scene for many where bootlegging unconstrained ideas and noises could go on.
The Artists’ Haven
Kunsthaus Tacheles was also a cultural sanctuary for many artists; everyone loved it because, for many, it was their ‘house’. The empty spaces of the old department store were changed into multi-studios and galleries where people’s ideas became real. There was almost every kind of artwork one could think of installed in Tacheles; paintings, sculptures and installations, performances and others more.
Department and Team Collaborative Creativity
My personal favorite about Kunsthaus Tacheles was that one could see how artists were working together. One liked and motivated the other to go the extra mile in their imagination. These approaches made for a very creative environment which helped the artists come up with the experiments in the works of art that produced many fascinating exciting performances and concepts that changed community’s views.
The Closure and Legacy
Unfortunately, the opportunities of exploring Kunsthaus Tacheles are limited now that the building has been declared bankrupt several years ago, in 2012. They were the future premises of the building but the heritage of art and culture is telling the story of its existence even today.
The building has changed hands several times since the facility was closed and there are still discussions on what might be done with it in the future. However, the idea of Kunsthaus Tacheles can still be considered innate in individuals who managed to enjoy the peculiar atmosphere of the place.
Today’s visit to Oranienburger Straße
While you are no longer able to enter Kunsthaus Tacheles today, walking through Oranienburger Straße gives one a taste of Berlin’s art district. Presently there are numerous of galleries, stickers, and spaces for post-art that is still experimenting with various media. It is a nostalgic signal of the creative spirit previously associated with the Kunsthaus Tacheles building.
Exploring the Surroundings
But not only art, Oranienburger Straße is famous for the night life, exquisite eating places, and cute little cafe. Do not underestimate the value of strolling along freedom and trier streets of this city, driving at a local store, and breathing in the uniqueness of this place.
Finding Other Pieces of Art Vesey Buddy Charitable Trust Logo
Even though Kunsthaus Tacheles is probably the most publicised of formerly artistic centres, Berlin has many other enthralling cultural facilities. There are always museums, graffiti-splattered walls, buildings and independent galleries in the city that are yet to be discovered by the art lovers.
Conclusion
Kunsthaus Tacheles at Oranienburger Straße was not only a building, but the true home for artists where freedom, creativity and work opportunities where supported and encouraged. Today it may be closed down, but people in the art world in Berlin will never forget about it. What Tacheles embarked to, audacious creative expression, can still be seen in memory today motivating artists globally. Visiting Oranienburger Straße nowadays can make people feel the inspiration of Tacheles and look how a creative community in Berlin defends.
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