English
Tacheles is a concept in the city of Berlin. It’s a cultural centre in the German capital, where artists could exhibit their works after the fall of the Berlin wall. The term Tacheles means ‘to reveal’, ‘to talk with clarity’ in Hebrew, a name that perfectly defines the artistic movement who occupied the building in 1990.
The building, originally a commercial centre, was constructed in 1907 and witnessed al the important historical events of Germany. But over the years it had a lot of different functions. First it became a “Haus der Technik”, where electrical appliances where presented and later sold. Later the Nazi’s used it like administrative centre and prison for French war prisoners. During World War II the building was heavily damaged, but despite that it was still used as an office during the GDR. But Tacheles only really gained fame after the fall of the Berlin Wall, when artist from all over the world started to fight against a possible demolition, and eventually occupied the building until it was declared a historical monument.
Today Tacheles is divided into different artistic spaces.
“Der blaue Salon” (the blue salon) on the 5th floor was used as laboratory and studio until 2002. Nowadays, it’s used as exhibition space since there is a lot of natural light.
“Der goldende Saal” (the golden room) was used as a cinema in the GDR, but now it’s split up into two rooms where concerts and performances are held. The stage and tribune are build on an ingenious mobile platform.
“Die Neue Galerie” (the new gallery) are actually two warehouses of more then 400m2, connected through a modern stairs. Inside is a balcony, which makes the room a spectacular décor for exhibitions.
But if you think that there are only exhibitions held here, you are wrong. It’s also a working space, an atelier. More then 50 artists occupy more then 30 studios, and you can always hop in to see what they are working on.
Tacheles is art in the most pure definition of the word. It’s an important centre, not only for Germany but for the whole world. The most alternative cultural life is focussed here: concerts, performances, theatre, film, workshops,… Enjoy the beauty of art in Berlin!
