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Josef Kaiser

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Building for the GDR

Street scene with several buildings: In the background, a tall rectangular hotel building with many uniform windows and a sign reading “Hotel Berolina” on the roof. In front of it is a wide, low building with large window fronts and a movie poster on the facade. On the right side of the image, a modern building with large glass fronts and signage on the roof is visible. People are walking across the plaza, and some cars are parked or driving in the background. The sky is clear and blue.

Postcard showing the Karl-Marx-Allee ensemble in 1964: Kino International, designed by Josef Kaiser with Heinz Aust, Hotel Berolina, designed by Josef Kaiser with Günter Kunert, and Restaurant Moskau, designed by Josef Kaiser with Horst Bauer. © Foto Schlegel, digitized by A. E. Witte

© photo: Foto Schlegel

Josef Kaiser (1910–1991) was a key figure in GDR architecture. From 1950 to 1970 he belonged to the collectives behind prestigious state buildings and modern  architectures, including Berlin’s Karl-Marx-Allee with the iconic Kino International. His designs expressed new social visions and met with international acclaim. Many are now listed as protected heritage. With the aid of drawings, photographs, films and models this exhibition presents his life and work, shedding light on political and aesthetic frictions. Contemporary artists Veronika Kellndorfer, Karsten Konrad and Tracey Snelling offer fresh perspectives on his legacy as an integral part of Germany’s two state architectural history.

  • All the explanatory exhibition texts are available in German and English.
  • There is no information in Simple German.
  • There is no information in German Sign Language.
  • Some outreach events are held in or with German Sign Language.
  • There is step-free access to the exhibition.
  • Most exhibits and explanatory texts can be viewed and read when seated. The table height is 68 cm, partially allowing for wheelchairs underneath. 
  • The exhibition includes videos with spoken German and English subtitles. There are headphones for listening.
  • Assistive listening is not supported by induction systems or neck loops.
  • There are no seatings. Wheelchairs and folding stools can be borrowed free of charge from the cloakroom. 
  • To protect the works in the exhibition limited use is made of bright illumination. Most of the exhibition texts are designed with strong contrast.
  • All the exhibition texts are available as a large-print brochure that you will find at the entrance to the exhibition.
  • The exhibition contains no tactile floor guidance and no touch models.

Click here for information about museum accessibility.

Do you have any other questions about accessibility? Christine van Haaren, Head of Education and Outreach will be happy to answer them via e-mail haaren@berlinischegalerie.de or via phone +49 (0)30-789 02-836.

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Collage einer futuristischen Uferanlage mit Menschen unter Sonnenschirmen, Palmen und großen terrassenförmigen Gebäuden vor tiefblauem Himmel

Guided Tours for school classes

Photo: Snapshots of the opening, showing people either inside the exhibition rooms or in the outdoor area of the Berlinische Galerie.

Guided Tours for groups

Short film to the exhibition

Photos from the opening

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