Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the conventional art scene? If you’re looking for a unique and unconventional way to explore Berlin’s vibrant art culture, then the city’s artistic squats are an absolute must-visit. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a virtual walking tour of Berlin’s artistic squats, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of alternative and underground art.

What are Artistic Squats?

Artistic squats are also referred to as art squats or cultural centers – they are abandoned buildings or houses, which have been adapted to be used by artists and creatives as open space for various artistic activities. These squats may also represent punk ideas as independence, rebellion, and non-profiteering.

This paper explores the history of artistic squats in Berlin.

Berlin has a long tradition in art squats which started in nineteen seventies when artists decided that they had enough of vacant apartments and thus started occupying them. Such squats evolved into cultural Avant-gardes, social protests, and means of political activism, and art.

In particular, most of the squats in Berlin have gradually become sociable and cultural places where artists, musicians, performers and many other people interested in an individual, different life style may live. They have also assumed that role of being landmarks within the cultural map of the city.

Exploring Berlin’s Artistic Squats: A Walking Tour

Now, let’s take you on a virtual walking tour of some of Berlin’s most renowned artistic squats:

1. Tacheles

Tacheles, a squat art house in between Oranienburger Straße and Stralsunder Straße in Mitte district of Berlin is one of the city’s most famous squatted buildings. This former department store was taken over in the early part of the 1990’s and adapted for use for artists and art forms. Today Tacheles is famous for street art, controversial and frequently changing exhibitions, artists ‘workshops, concert stages and something of an art–dress and student psycho–bohemian spirit.

2. RAW-Gelände

The RAW-Gelände located in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg borough is huge expanse of old factory ruins. It has been turned into an another culture of clubs, bars, art, foods and gardens in the middle of city. RAW-Gelände is for underground music fans and active graffiti artists districts.

3. Spreepark

Spreepark is a former amusement park on the river Spree which stopped operating in 2001. Since then it has become a fascinating and macabre site for social explorer and artist fo Urban art in scrapyard. Ruined roller coasters, deserted attractions and lush green vegetation has become a favorite among many photographers and directors.

Tips for Exploring Berlin’s Artistic Squats

Before you embark on your walking tour, here are some handy tips to make your experience even more enjoyable:

• Research the squats in advance and check if they have specific opening hours or events.
• Be respectful of the artists, their work, and the spaces they have created.
• Engage with the local community and strike up conversations with artists and fellow visitors.
• Keep an eye out for any upcoming exhibitions, performances, or workshops that might interest you.
• Take your camera or sketchbook along to capture the unique atmosphere and inspiring artwork.

Exploring Berlin’s artistic squats offers a thrilling and immersive experience into the city’s alternative art scene. From street art to experimental performances, you’ll witness firsthand the immense creativity and freedom that permeates these unique spaces.

So, are you ready to step off the beaten path and dive into Berlin’s artistic squats? Put on your walking shoes, open your mind, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the world of underground art.