Exploring the Eclectic Art Scene in Berlin on School Trips
Berlin for Art Lovers
Berlin may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about famous art, but the city has a vibrant art scene and is bursting with great museums, classic galleries and an arty vibe that exudes from every corner. Young people on school trips to the city will be spoilt for choice when it comes to museums to explore, and each one offers something unique with plenty of opportunity for discussion.
The Brohan Museum is one of the most prominent in the city and specialises in Art Deco and the Berlin Secession. Collections are permanent but there are changing exhibitions too. In complete contrast, the Pergamon Museum is famous throughout the art world for its archaeological exhibits. Located on Museum Island, there are three museums here within the one: the Collection of Classical Antiquities, the Museums of the Ancient Near East and the Museum of Islamic Art. Students will be enthralled by the vast collections and leave with plenty of material to study and follow up.
The Neune Nationalgalerie is an imposing steel and glass building that houses an incredible collection of contemporary art and architecture. Lovers of modern art styles will revel in the exhibitions in this museum, which has close to 800m of wall space and 5000 square metres of exhibition floor. It is worth bearing in mind that this museum deserves a whole morning visit; young learners will have the chance to discuss the evolution of art and the part Berlin has to play in the modern art scene.
Another popular modern art gallery is housed in a former railway station; known as the Hamburger Bahnhof, its original function was as the terminus of the railway line between Hamburg and Berlin. The neoclassical style of the building set an architectural precedence for the designs of subsequent train stations in Berlin, but today it is the only one of its time (1946) remaining.
Berlin's artistic vibe is not only evident in its museums, but also in its modern eclectic city life. Youngsters on school trips should be given the opportunity to explore the city on foot, appreciate its architectural delights and immerse in the fashionable caf© culture that dominates local culture. There is no denying they will return home motivated, inspired and enthused.