Cities & Culture

Villa Schöningen

Villa Schöningen is an exhibition centre for contemporary art in Potsdam and is also a unique historic place. Designed in the Italian style by architect Ludwig Persius in 1843, it is situated on the border region of the former GDR. In the Cold War, it would have stood right on the so-called "Death Strip" and is just next to the Glienicke Bridge, the location of the dramatic spy swaps.

With its rotating exhibitions of first-class contemporary art, the Villa Schöningen has developed into a permanent institution in the cultural landscape of Berlin and Brandenburg. The topics of a divided Germany and the Cold War are explored again and again. The historic garden is also often used for rotating sculpture exhibitions. Talks, readings and other events are on offer, too. Guided tours of the art exhibitions and the villa's history are made specially available for school classes. On top of this, the villa offers a cafe which invites you to stay and indulge. From Villa Schöningen, you can reach the history-rich town of Potsdam, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin by bike, kayak or stand up paddleboard (available to hire in the cafe). Opening times: Friday to Sunday from 12pm to 6pm.

Explore the surroundings