Declassified – The Secret of Teufelsberg

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On October 3, 2024, the new temporary exhibition “Declassified – The Secret of Teufelsberg” opens at Teufelsberg, offering a deep dive into the fascinating and largely unknown history of this unique site. Designed and curated by °pha Architekten BDA from Potsdam under the direction of curator Arndt Hermann, the exhibition explores the historical events that have shaped Teufelsberg over the past 100 years.

A Place Full of History and Contrasts

Teufelsberg, the largest debris hill in the world, is not only a striking geographical landmark but also a focal point in German history. In the early 1900s, the area was used as the hunting grounds of the German Kaisers, later becoming a retreat for Berlin’s residents. However, its significance changed dramatically during World War II, when Adolf Hitler laid the foundation stone for his planned world capital, Germania. After the war, the hill was formed from 26 million cubic meters of rubble, burying the ruins of the unfinished Nazi structures beneath it.

The real intrigue, however, comes during the Cold War. Teufelsberg became a central listening post for the Western Allies. Around 2,000 soldiers worked here to monitor the communications of the Eastern Bloc and gather valuable intelligence. These espionage activities, including a scandal involving the leaking of secret documents to the Stasi and KGB, form a key part of the exhibition.

What Can You Expect?

The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through time, exploring the hidden corners of the former listening station. In the dark, secretive hallways of the facility, the history is brought to life through large-scale photographs, audio stations, installations, and film projections. Interviews with eyewitnesses, including an American intelligence analyst and the former editor-in-chief of Der Spiegel, shed light on Teufelsberg’s geopolitical and security importance during the Cold War.

One of the most impressive aspects is the way the exhibition is staged within the original rooms of the listening station, which have been carefully preserved to maintain the building’s authentic condition. This unique setting creates an atmosphere of secrecy and tension, transporting visitors back to the Cold War era.

The exhibition not only provides insights into the history of Teufelsberg but also offers a glimpse into the world of international espionage. Visitors will learn how both Western and Eastern intelligence agencies operated from Teufelsberg and what kind of information was collected. These secretive operations shaped international politics and led to German-American scandals, echoes of which can still be seen in modern-day revelations, such as the Snowden affair.

A Must-See for History and Culture Enthusiasts

“Declassified – The Secret of Teufelsberg” offers a rare opportunity to delve into the hidden chapters of German and international history. The exhibition combines historical events with immersive visual and audio experiences, making Teufelsberg a captivating destination not only for historians but for anyone curious about the past.

It provides fascinating insights into a world full of secrets, showing how this Berlin landmark influenced global events in the 20th century. Do not miss the chance to experience “Declassified” for yourself and discover the secrets of Teufelsberg! The exhibition opens on October 3, and entry is included with the regular admission ticket. Book your tickets now!

Beatgarten Open Air

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This year, Berlin’s techno scene was recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage, and Teufelsberg is proud to be a part of it. From May to September, the historic hill transformed into an open-air dance floor once a month. In collaboration with the DJ collective Lost In, we created a unique series of events. Attendees danced to rotating Berlin DJs while enjoying the remarkable atmosphere of this iconic location. Each event offered a fresh musical journey, filled with vibrant beats and many sunny afternoons.

Behind the Scenes

Beatgarten was special not only for its breathtaking location at Teufelsberg but also because of the passion, creativity, and energy that Lost In brought to each event. After their successful debut at the Power of Female Art Festival in March 2024, the decision was made to create an ongoing series together. From April to September, they turned Teufelsberg into a one-of-a-kind open-air club once a month, wowing audiences with top-notch electronic music. But Beatgarten was more than just music – Lost In crafted unique decor concepts for each event, with handmade elements, light installations, and other creative highlights.

The deep connection between Lost In and Teufelsberg made the event even more magical. Several members of Lost In are also part of the Teufelsberg team, giving them a special understanding of the location and allowing them to create unforgettable experiences. For a behind-the-scenes look, check out our Instagram Reel.

The Journey of Lost In

The roots of Lost In run deep. What began as a close-knit group of friends from Falkensee, a small town near Berlin, has grown into a collective driven by a shared love of music and community. When local party options did not meet their expectations, they took matters into their own hands, organizing intimate raves at places like Forsthaus Brieselang and the youth center “Egal.” Their vision was clear: to create spaces for great music and togetherness.

From house and techno to trance and groove, Lost In’s events offer something for everyone. Some members of the collective even produce their own tracks, perform at the events, and invite guest DJs to make the lineup even more diverse. Their main goal is to create a welcoming and safe atmosphere. Mindfulness is key to their approach, ensuring that their parties are not just musically outstanding but also emotionally inclusive spaces.

The success of Lost In is not limited to Teufelsberg. In September 2023, they hosted their first club night at Humboldthain Club, which was a big hit and now happens every three months. They have also thrown unforgettable nights at MOPS Adlershof, part of Humboldt University. Wherever they perform, Lost In brings the same energy and dedication to unite people through music.

 

As they continue to gain ground in the Berlin club scene, Lost In has even bigger dreams. In the future, they hope to make their mark on the festival circuit. But their focus remains the same: it is not about the money; it is about the music and the people. All proceeds go towards paying technicians and equipment, with the rest reinvested in future events. Thanks to numerous volunteers, each event becomes more professional and impactful.

An Unforgettable Summer

The magic of Beatgarten was not just due to Lost In or the special location. You, the audience, played a crucial role. It was the energy of the crowd and the shared love for music that truly brought these events to life. Whether you danced all day or simply soaked in the vibe, you helped create something extraordinary.

With the last Beatgarten of 2024 behind us, we can confidently say it was an unforgettable summer. To everyone who danced with us under the open sky – you made these moments special. Relive the unforgettable highlights in our Instagram Reel.

Letter H – Drew.Lab_One – Masterful Calligraphy in Street Art

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In the vibrant streets of Berlin, Drew.Lab_One, a versatile artist from Italy, has made a name for herself by blending semi-realistic portraits with abstract calligraphy. Since moving to Berlin in 2013, her multidisciplinary works have captivated audiences, drawing inspiration from her passion for mythology, ancient religions, and social issues.

A Calligraphic Prayer for Berlin

As part of the #freiheitberlin project at Teufelsberg, Drew.Lab_One created an impressive piece on the letter “H,” titled “Sonne im Herzen” (Sun in the Heart). Her goal was to craft a written mantra in abstract calligraphy. In a time when freedom seems to be a diminishing concept, and digital technologies can replicate even the uncertainty of the human hand, she chose to let go of legibility. Instead, she focused on the poetry and emotion of handwriting, a form of expression that traces our history from ancient to futuristic.

Her work on the letter “H” is such a calligraphic mantra. Drew.Lab_One describes it as “a prayer for a city that was once a temple of innovation, freedom, and a melting pot of cultures, but is now a place of bigotry, hypocrisy, and gentrification. In this new Berlin, I turn to the sun in my heart, an eternal light that cannot be extinguished: this is my gift to the city.”

From Naples to Berlin

Born on June 17, 1985, in Naples, Drew.Lab_One began her artistic journey at the age of 13 in experimental theater. It was during this time that her passion for portraiture and calligraphy developed, laying the foundation for her unique style. At 20, after completing her studies in modern philology, Drew.Lab_One shifted her creative focus to the streets. The urban walls of Berlin became her canvas, and the city itself a living dialogue through which she expressed her thoughts and societal critique.

Drew.Lab_One combines modern technology with her love for classical calligraphy. For her, it is no longer just about the legibility of the script but about the design itself. By merging Arabic, Italian, Cyrillic, and Gothic script traditions, she has developed a unique style that unites flowing gestures, geometric elegance, and structural strength. In her street art, she creates ritual spaces by repeating words and quotes in a secret language. These spaces invite the viewer to engage with the artwork and enable deep, almost spiritual experiences. For her, art is a ritual that transforms words into mantras because “words create reality.” Her innovative blend of tradition and modernity makes her works visual mantras – powerful “visual sounds” that explore human experience and urban life.

The Wise Monkey Speaks Again

In March 2024, Drew.Lab_One presented another work at Teufelsberg titled “All Animals Are Equal ft. Sage Monkey” as part of the Power of Female Art Festival. The mural consists of three sections and addresses war, propaganda, and Julian Assange.

In the first section, Drew.Lab_One gives voice to her iconic figure, the Wise Monkey, asking, “What happened to ‘Never Again’?” – a reference to the broken promises of never waging war again, especially in light of conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine.

The second section quotes George Orwell’s Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” With this, Drew.Lab_One critiques the inequality and hypocrisy still rampant in our society.

In the third part, she paints Julian Assange on a piece of cardboard and exposes it to the elements in Berlin, symbolizing his current state: forgotten and neglected. Drew.Lab_One leaves it to the viewer to decide whether to let Assange “rot” or to take action to give him the place in society he deserves. Through this, she encourages reflection on our responsibility to heroes like him.

Drew.Lab_One’s art not only leaves its mark on the walls of Berlin but also in the hearts of those who engage with her work. Did you know that you can discover Drew.Lab_One’s incredible piece on the letter “H” for yourself? Join our Street Art Tour, visit the famous letters, and experience her unique art up close. Book your tickets now and dive into the fascinating world of street art!

Dan Kitchener – Urban Art in Vivid Colors

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Dan Kitchener, who has worked with stars like Lenny Kravitz, Paul McCartney, and Miley Cyrus, is considered a true legend in the world of street art. With his distinctive style, he has created stunning murals worldwide, inspired by his travels through South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. But what makes him and his art so unique? Find out in this article, where we delve into his career, style, and his work at Teufelsberg.

Dan’s Journey to Street Art

Born in Essex in 1974, Dan Kitchener, also known as “DANK,” began his artistic career at university, initially focusing on conceptual art and illustration. However, he quickly realized this was not his path. Instead, he found his passion in creating underground comics and gradually turned towards street art. After his studies, Dan worked in TV post-production, creating animations and motion graphics for commercials, music videos, and film intros. This job allowed him to explore elements like lighting, composition, and dynamic perspectives—elements that would later define his art.

Dan discovered his true passion on the streets of London. He used every free moment to find new locations for his art and fill the city’s walls with his works. This relentless drive to express himself creatively eventually led him to leave his job in the TV industry and become a full-time artist.

A Piece of Tokyo in Berlin

Dan Kitchener’s art is heavily influenced by urban themes, inspired by everyday life and the impressions he gathers from his surroundings. He finds beauty in the most unassuming corners of the city and is particularly fascinated by the interplay between light, shadow, and composition. A standout example of this style is his mural at Teufelsberg.

The mural depicts a rain-soaked street illuminated by vibrant neon lights. The inspiration for such scenes comes from his nighttime strolls through Tokyo, where he photographed the streets in pouring rain to capture the perfect mood and perspective. He translates these impressions into his dynamic, colourful, modern-impressionist style, making his art unique and vibrant.

 

Kitchener is not just about depicting a realistic street scene; he wants to capture the emotions and moods he experiences in those moments. His works convey more than just the obvious—they allow the viewer to feel what it is like to stand in the middle of a bustling city, filled with energy and life. The mural at Teufelsberg captures this atmosphere perfectly: when you look at it, you can almost feel like you are in Tokyo, forgetting for a moment that you are actually in Berlin.

Speed and Precision

What makes Dan Kitchener so unique is his unconventional technique. Dan works entirely freehand with spray cans, without the aid of grids, stencils, guidelines, or projectors. To him, wall painting is a process that should belong solely to the artist. That is why he takes all his reference photos himself and creates every component of his works without any assistance. This method gives his works a dynamic and lively quality.

Dan Kitchener distinguishes himself from many other street artists through his speed and energy. He is known for his “Speed Paintings,” where he paints large walls in an amazingly short time. This speed is no accident but the result of a thoughtful approach: he keeps himself physically fit, runs several kilometres every day, and uses the energy from this activity to prepare for painting. This intensive work style is both a physical and mental challenge, one that he loves.

Music plays a crucial role in this process. While painting, Dan often listens to fast techno or trance music. These rhythms help him get into a creative flow, almost like a daydream. He lets the sounds guide him, immersing himself in the universe he is creating. Every song he listens to while painting becomes part of the artwork, a memory of the place and moment it was created.

With his diverse and unique approach, Dan Kitchener has gained a steadily growing fanbase. His murals, exhibitions, and live painting events captivate people worldwide. So, the next time you find yourself at Teufelsberg, take a moment to appreciate his work. Let yourself be swept away by the colours, energy, and atmosphere—you might just discover the beauty in the most everyday urban scenes.