It wasn’t just in Kreuzberg – a vibrant protest movement also took shape in the 1970s and 1980s in Spandau, a district characterised by a more middle-class atmosphere. Residents, young people and activists fought back against environmental destruction, controversial large-scale projects and urban planning that often failed to take people’s interests into account.
Image gallery
Besetztes Haus Möllentordamm 2, 6. Juli 1982
Whether it was the successful resistance to the felling of the Spandau Forest to make way for a planned large-scale power station, the occupation of the Gatower Heide, or the squatting of houses in 1981: the issues at stake were co-determination, affordable housing, environmental protection, cultural freedom and self-determined living.
The exhibition tells this little-known story through video interviews with contemporary witnesses, artistic works and interactive stations.
In doing so, it takes visitors right to the heart of the conflicts and ideas of a turbulent era – whilst also posing questions that remain relevant to this day:
Who does the city belong to? Who decides its future? And how do we want to live together?
We warmly invite you not only to discover the fascinating memories of those involved at the time, but also to join the discussion on the implications for our present and the shaping of the future!
20 November 2026 – 6 February 2028
OPENING Thu 19 Nov at 6 pm
in the Gothic Hall, followed by an event on the upper floor of the Zeughaus.
ACCOMPANYING PROGRAMME
All events are free of charge.
Due to limited capacity, please register at: anmeldung@zitadelle-berlin.de or on 030 354944 448.
Public guided tours of the exhibition ‘BESETZT!’
Every Sunday at 11.00 am on:
6 December 2026 – 7 March 2027 – 6 June 2027 – 1 August 2027 – 12 September27 – 10 October 2027 – 7 November 2027 – 5 December 2027 – 6 February 2028
> Citadel / Armoury
No booking required
Wed 25 Nov ’26 at 3 pm
OCCUPIED – FOR EVERYONE! – Tactile and audio tour with a curator
> Citadel / Armoury
Thu 21 Jan 27 at 6 pm
OBJECTION! – Discussion with Reiner Geulen, lawyer for the citizens’ initiatives ‘Kraftwerk Oberhavel / Oberjägerweg’ and ‘Gatower Heide’.
> Citadel / Armoury
Thu 18 Feb 27 at 3 pm
COME TO THE PLENARY! – Eyewitness café, just like at the plenary 50 years ago.
> Paul-Schneider-Haus, Schönwalder Straße 23, 13585 Berlin
Fri 12 March 27 at 6 pm
CURTAIN UP! – Panel discussion with eyewitnesses on the founding of the Kulturhaus.
> Kulturhaus Spandau / Main Hall
Thu 8 April 27 at 6 pm
PROTEST IN THE WOODS! – Discussion with the artists Claudia Hajek and Georgia Krawiec.
> Citadel / Armoury
Sat 24 April 27 at 12 noon
OFF TO THE WOODS! – A walk through the Spandau Forest with eyewitnesses.
> Evangelisches Johannesstift, M45 bus terminus
Thu 27 May 27 at 3 pm
SAVE THE WOODS! – ‘Informative walk’ through the Gatower Heide with district forester Kristina Quast Please remember to wear weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear.
> The meeting point will be announced upon registration.
Sun 6 June 27 from 11.00 am.
LET’S CELEBRATE! OCCUPYERS’ FESTIVAL – Citadel and Family Sunday – featuring curator-led tours of the exhibition, the GrooveLiner music bus, live music by LOTTALÄRM, as well as workshops and craft stations on the theme of protest.
> Citadel / Armoury
No registration required
Sun 13 June 27 from 11 am to 3 pm
ENJOY YOUR MEAL! – Culinary Walden with a Dendro-Picnic. On a walk through the Spandau Forest with the artist Georgia Krawiec, ingredients for a tree-leaf salad will be gathered along the way; the salad will then be prepared and enjoyed in a clearing amidst a meditative atmosphere.
Registration required at: georgiakrawiec@gmail.com
> The meeting point will be announced upon registration
Sun 11 July 27 at 3 pm
OLD HOUSES, NEW IDEAS! – A walking tour of sites undergoing old town regeneration and squatting in Spandau.
> Gothic House, Breite Straße 32, 13599 Berlin
Wed 8 September 27 at 6 pm
CURTAIN UP! – A guided tour through the history of the Kulturhaus.
> Kulturhaus Spandau
Sun 12 Sep 27 from 12 noon to 5 pm.
JOIN IN! – Children’s museum festival at the Citadel – with guided tours and workshops in the exhibition.
> Citadel / Armoury and Courtyard
No booking required
Thu 28 Oct 27 at 6 pm
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION! – A discussion with industrial photographer and eyewitness Christian Bedeschinski about Bewag’s Spandau power stations and the forest occupation.
> Citadel / Armoury
Thu 11 Nov 27 at 3 pm
OCCUPIED – FOR EVERYONE! – Curator-led tour with interpretation in DGS.
> Citadel / Armoury
Fri–Sun 19 Nov–21 Nov 27
ROLL THE FILM! – Film festival on the squatters’ and environmental protection scenes.
> Kulturhaus Spandau / Cinema
Thu 2 Dec 27 at 3 pm
OCCUPIED – FOR EVERYONE! – Tactile and audio tour with a curator.
> Citadel / Armoury
Sun 6 Feb 28 at 3 pm
SEE YOU AGAIN! – Closing event with a guided tour led by the curators, followed by an auction of exhibition panels to benefit a Spandau-based charity working in the field of the environment and housing. In cooperation with the Spandau Local History Association 1965 e.V.
> Citadel / Armoury
Additional information
Opening hours:
- Monday–Wednesday, 10.00 – 17.00
- Thursday, 1.00 pm – 8.00 pm
- Friday–Sunday, 10.00 – 17.00
Last admission
30 minutes before closing
Please note: Opening times for the Citadel’s museums and exhibitions may be subject to change due to events.
- 24 December, 10.00 – 14.00
- 31 December, 10.00 – 14.00
