There is no better place to experience democracy than in Berlin. The city offers a wealth of exhibitions and activities on the subject, as well as the opportunity to participate in live public sessions all year round by appointment. You can also take guided tours of the Reichstag and government buildings, and admire the city and the government district from the glass dome of the Reichstag. The two banks of the Spree, which were once separated by the Berlin Wall, are now connected by the so-called Band des Bundes. Large glass fronts bear witness to the openness and transparency of German democracy. Here, we show you where you can experience democracy here and in other places in Berlin.
Tip 1: Celebrate democracy on the 75th anniversary of the German Grundgesetz
The German Grundgesetz is the foundation of our democracy. It enshrines important political ideas for living together in a free and democratic constitutional state. On 23 May this year, it will be 75 years old. We are celebrating this anniversary with a great festival of democracy around the Federal Chancellery and the German Bundestag. Because 75 years of freedom, peace and democracy in Germany cannot be taken for granted.
When: May 24 to 26
Where: Platz der Republik 1, Mitte
Deutschland feiert 75 Jahre Grundgesetz
Tip 2: Watch a film and lightshow in Parliament Quarter
The Federal Republic of Germany is also celebrating 75 years, and to mark the anniversary, the government district will be transformed into a large open-air cinema. A half-hour film, light and sound projection entitled "People and Parliament - 75 years. Democracy alive." will be shown on the façade of the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus, with five projection surfaces. The largest screen is 300 square metres in size! The film begins with the end of the Second World War in 1945 and traces 75 years of parliamentarianism in Germany. There is no charge for admission.
When:
- 23 May at 10 pm
- 2 June at 10.15 pm
- 14 July 10 pm
- 28 July at 9.45 pm
- 11 August at 9.15 pm
- 25 August at 20.45 pm
- 8 September at 20.15 pm
Where: Adele-Schreiber-Krieger-Straße 1, Mitte
Film- and Lightprojection chtprojektion in the parliament district
Tip 3: Look out over Berlin from the Reichstag dome
The 23-high glass dome of the Reichstag is a must-see for any visitor to Berlin. Around one million people visit the dome every year, and it offers unparalleled views of the city. An audio guide provides detailed explanations of what you can see as you make your way along the spiral to the top of the dome. Once at the top, you can take a look into the plenary chamber through the huge glass funnel. The construction of 360 mirrors inside the funnel is impressive, reflecting the sunlight and providing pleasant daylight in the plenary chamber.
When: By appointment
Where: Platz der Republik 1, Mitte
Tip 4: Discover art and democracy in the government district
The "Band des Bundes" symbolically connects the formerly divided Berlin. Stroll across the bridge between Paul Löbe House and Marie-Elisabeth Lüders House and keep an eye on the members of parliament. Stroll along the Spree to Schloss Bellevue, enjoy the sunshine on the grand staircase, watch the ships pass by or dance the tango on the terrace in front of the MPs' canteen. You can even watch the representatives of the people eat through the glass façade. A public café is also being planned.
When: any time
Where: Reichstagsufer 4, Mitte
More about the government district
Tip 5: Discover art in the government quarter and Dani Karavan's Grundgesetz 49
If you walk along the Spree promenade, you will see 19 large panes of glass facing the Jakob-Kaiser-Haus, on which the Israeli artist Dani Karavan has engraved the 19 articles of the German Grundgesetz. Through these first 19 articles of the German Grundgesetz, you can see the House of Parliamentary Groups, where the aim is to ensure that these are upheld in our democracy. You can find out more about Dani Karavan's Grundgesetz 1949 and other public works of art simply take a walk through the government district in our podcast episode on the transparency of democracy.
When: anytime
Where: Reichstagsufer 4, Mitte
Berlin Unboxed: Transparency in Democracy
Tip 6: Book a guided tour of the German Bundestag
During a guided tour of the Reichstag building, you will gain an insight into the development of parliamentarianism in Germany and learn exciting facts about the history of the building. Guided tours of the building take place daily and are recommended for young people aged 15 and over. For younger visitors, special family tours explain the tasks, workings and composition of parliament as well as the history and architecture of the Reichstag building in a child-friendly way. On weekends and public holidays, guided art and architecture tours of the Reichstag Building, Paul Löbe House and Jakob Kaiser House are available. Afterwards, you can visit the Reichstag dome.
You can also register for a visit to a plenary session or for lectures in the visitors' gallery of the plenary chamber.
When: Guided tours are only available during non-session times and require prior written registration.
Where: visite.bundestag.de.
Learn more about the art collection ofthe German Bundestag
Tip 7: Exhibition "Irrwege - Umwege" in the cathedral (Deutscher Dom)
Try out the role of a member of the Bundestag for yourself in the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom). The Plenary Session role play is a great way to do this. There is a special room modelled on the original plenary chamber in the Reichstag building. On the other levels of the cathedral, the exhibition "Irrwege - Umwege" (Milestones, setbacks and sidetracks) shows the development of parliamentary democracy in Germany, providing insights into the history from 1848 to the present day. The key topics include the Weimar Republic, the Nazi state and sham parliamentarianism in the GDR, the new political beginning after 1945, women and politics and European integration. You can also register for various guided tours and workshops free of charge.
When: The visitor centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am - 6 pm (May to September 10 am - 7 pm). To register for guided tours and projects, please visit besucherdienst [at] bundestag.de.
Where: Gendarmenmarkt 1, Mitte
Tip 8: Visit the democracy exhibition in the Futurium to learn more about the future of democracy
Did you know that the idea of democracy is already 2000 years old? The exhibition "Democracy - You can choose the future" at Futurium shows what has changed since then and how democracy can succeed in the future. You can try out for yourself how democracy works in various simulations. Comics draw visionary drafts of democratic societies. And in short videos you can see possible solutions for the future. In the lab, you can experience the opportunities and risks that new technologies can have for democracy. For example, the "Smile to Vote" voting booth uses AI to determine which party you will vote for based on a quick glance into the camera. Is this fiction or soon-to-be reality? Decide for yourself.
Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm (closed Tuesday).
Where Alexanderufer 2, Mitte.
More about the Futurium
Tip 9: Invitation to a state visit
Every year at the end of August, the federal government and the ministries in Berlin invite people to visit the state for a weekend. Hundreds of thousands of visitors usually take the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of the Federal Government. You can visit the Federal Chancellery, the Press and Information Office and the federal ministries. There's a shuttle bus that will take you from building to building. You can meet politicians, learn more about their everyday lives and find out about current issues. You'll also get to meet Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who'll probably be happy to answer your questions during an on-stage discussion.
Just a heads-up: the German Bundestag opens its doors in September for the Day of Insights and Outlooks (Tag der Ein- und Aussichten). You'll get the chance to take a look behind the scenes and chat to MPs there too.
When: End of August (date not yet fixed)
Where: Government district and various locations in Berlin
More about the federal chancellery in Berlin
Tip 10: Tracing Democracy in Berlin
As well as the government district and the Reichstag, there are lots of other places in Berlin where you can see democracy in action, including major sights like Alexanderplatz, the Brandenburg Gate, Nikolaikircheand the Zionskirche. These are places where democratic movements can meet and rally. But it's not just about history. The German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum), the Humboldt Forum and the district museums regularly invite visitors to engage in open discourse. And for almost 175 years, regular commemorations have been held at the Friedhof der Märzgefallenen (Cemetery of the March Fallen) in honour of the men and women who once risked their lives to demand freedom and human rights.
When: Depending on the event
Where: All over the city
Tip 11: Watch open-air films at the Stasi headquarters. Campus for Democracy
Every summer, the Stasi Centre for Democracy (Stasi-Zentrale für Demokratie) puts on a four-week film festival about the GDR past and state security. You can also see material from the Stasi archive in the supporting programme. After the film, you can chat with contemporary witnesses, experts and filmmakers. It's a great chance to discuss the relevance of the past against the historical backdrop of the former official residence of State Minister Mielke.
Tip: The two free, permanent exhibitions on "Revolution and the Fall of the Wall" (Revolution und Mauerfall)and the Stasi archive "Insight into Secrecy" (Einblick ins Geheim) are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
When: 5 August to 29 August 2024
Where: Ruschestraße 1003, Lichtenberg
