Haus am Waldsee

An English-style country house is not where you would expect to find one of Berlin's leading contemporary art galleries. The Haus am Waldsee in Zehlendorf is where Berlin's young, contemporary artists exhibit their work. Discover arts such as sculpture and painting, alongside design, architecture and even performance art - all forms are represented here. Experience the quiet and tranquil atmosphere in the house, which hosts up to five exhibitions annually. This also includes themed exhibitions, featuring the work of multiple artists.

Tranquil and inspiring: encounters with international art

The museum opens in 1946, immediately after the war. Located in the countryside, away from the busy city centre, it develops as an exciting centre for international contemporary arts. Today, the house welcomes creative talent which has pushed Berlin up the ranks of international art. Supported by the district council, the art centre is run by a sponsor association. One of the unusual aspects of the centre's approach is putting reflection, sensuality and inspiration at the heart of everything. This includes personal contact between artists and visitors. Start your visit by taking the direct path to the entrance of the Haus am Waldsee. The house, built in 1923 for textile manufacturer Hermann Knobloch, still has a cosy, rural feel. Tony Cragg's bright yellow sculpture entitled "Outspan" sits outside and gives an indication of what you can expect to find within. Pass through the attractive doorway, flanked by columns, and enter a house full of surprises. Inside, the intimate atmosphere aids your enjoyment of the art. The rooms are flooded with light, and are similar to living rooms. Maybe this helps the contemporary art come into its own. Take a walk through the villa's garden, where you'll find more sculptures and contemporary works of art. Or take a rest at the in-house café and let the impressions of what you have seen sink in.

Main attractions at the Haus am Waldsee

• Important works by Berlin contemporary artists
• Art education, personal encounters and inspiration are at the forefront of what the centre does
• Constantly changing sculptures in the 10,000-square-metre garden
• In-house café and workshops programme
• Audio guide for a tour of the house and nearby Schlachtensee lake

More things to see in south-west Berlin

About two kilometres south of the Haus am Waldsee is Museumdorf Düppel, in the Krummes Fenn nature reserve. Visit to find out how people lived 800 years ago. The botanical gardens at Lichterfelde are seven kilometres north east, and are home to plants from all over the world. The adjoining Botanical Museum explores the history of plants from green algae to the sequoia. Three underground stops away is Domäne Dahlem farm museum, which has been cultivated for over 800 years. Stroll through fields with cows, goats and pigs and visit the 1920s-style farm shop. From here, a 25-minute walk brings you to the Brücke Museum, housing the world's largest collection of works by the expressionist group. Among the paintings, drawings, watercolours and sculptures on display, you will find works by Ernst-Ludwig Kirchner, Max Pechstein and Emil Nolde.

Information about the Haus am Waldsee

Take the U3 underground line to Krumme Lanke, and walk 200 metres to the Haus am Waldsee. The 118, 184, 622 and X11 buses also stop at the underground station. Children under the age of 18 get in for free, and the same rule applies to school groups of seven or more. Berlin WelcomeCard holders receive 28% off the standard admission price, and there are also family tickets. Visit on a Wednesday morning for yoga classes among the art.

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