Brücke-Museum

A bungalow in Dahlem houses the largest contiguous collection of works by the Brücke art group. Immerse yourself in the world of these avant-garde artists: it embodies a completely new way of life – free, non-academic, personal and passionate. The ways in which the group’s members worked and lived were revolutionary at the start of the 20th century . Initially, the group’s work provoked mixed reactions, but it eventually gained immense significance both throughout Germany and internationally.

Highlights of the exhibition

• Bungalow in Grunewald – the Brücke’s connection to nature as a fundamental principle
• the largest contiguous ‘Die Brücke’ collection in the world
• Paintings, hand drawings, watercolours and original prints
• arts and crafts and wooden sculptures
• Exhibitions by contemporary artists and artist groups of the time

The artists’ group

Exciting, groundbreaking and close to nature

In the 1960s, Brücke member Karl Schmidt-Rottluff initiated the construction of a new exhibition building in Berlin. In September 1967, the Brücke Museum opened on the edge of the Grunewald. Its location in the countryside reflects the movement’s strong connection to nature. The museum sources its exhibits from the artists’ extensive estates or from donations by friends of the Brücke. They are to be preserved and displayed together in one place, in the spirit of the group.

The Museum

Behind the façade of the elegant, low-rise building, four large, uncluttered rooms open up before you. Here, the museum presents rotating exhibitions of paintings by the Brücke artists. These works are particularly striking due to their strong contrasts, clean lines and angular forms. Against the backdrop of the bright, uncluttered rooms, the Expressionists’ colourful paintings make an even stronger impression. Alongside watercolours and drawings, you will also see rare examples of decorative arts and sculptures. Several times a year, the museum hosts special exhibitions and regularly showcases works by fellow artists of the time. From the very beginning, Die Brücke actively sought out like-minded individuals. The museum also serves as an important research centre: since 1986, an annexe has housed an archive of prints and documents. Art history publications and catalogues are available from the museum shop.

Nearby attractions

It takes less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Brücke Museum to the Kunsthaus Dahlem. The museum is situated in the former studio of the Nazi sculptor Arno Breker. Since 2015, it has housed exhibition spaces dedicated to German post-war modern art from both East and West. A stroll through the sculpture garden is particularly recommended. One of the most comprehensive collections on European everyday culture can be seen at the Museum of European Cultures. The museum offers an insight into European rituals, traditions and religions from the 18th century to the present day. At the nearby Botanical Museum, you can, amongst other things, follow in the footsteps of Alexander Humboldt. Thanks to his passion for collecting, you’ll find parts of the botanical specimens gathered during his travels here. The adjoining Botanical Garden is one of the most important of its kind in the world. More than 20,000 plant species thrive here. The Allied Museum is housed in a former soldiers’ cinema and the historic US Library. The exhibition tells the story of the role of the Western Allies in Germany from 1945 to 1994.

Your visit

Bus routes 115 and X10 will take you to the ‘Brücke-Museum / Kunsthaus Dahlem, Berlin’ stop, right outside the museum. The nearest underground station is “Podbielskiallee” on the U3 line. The museum provides free parking for motorists. School pupils and supervised school groups are admitted free of charge. If you’d like to visit the Kunsthaus Dahlem as well as the Brücke Museum, please use the combined ticket. You can gain free entry with the Berlin Museum Pass . The museum offers free guided tours every Sunday at 11.30 am. Group tours are available by prior booking. The Brücke Museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Opening hours