Events

Posts about events at Teufelsberg Berlin.

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.

Family Weekend – Unforgettable Memories

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The first weekend of the summer break was a true highlight for families at Teufelsberg. With sunny skies and hot temperatures, numerous visitors came to enjoy our special Family Weekend. It was the perfect start to the summer holidays, offering plenty of fun and adventure for all ages.

Upon entering the sight, delicious smells from various food trucks greeted everyone. Jimmys Foodtruck treated guests to juicy hamburgers and crispy fries. First Love Coffee, now a permanent spot at Teufelsberg, offered a variety of coffee specialties alongside delicious waffles and muffins. Special drinks and treats for children were particularly well received. For those craving something savory, Puchica Pupusas provided authentic stuffed corn tortillas, a specialty from El Salvador. Liliana, the cook, prepared the pupusas using traditional recipes from her grandmother and mother. Eisspatz offered refreshing, homemade ice cream creations to help everyone cool down on this hot day.

The lively atmosphere featured lots of activities for both children and adults. Kids could burn off their energy on the bouncy castle or play exciting rounds of table tennis. For more action, tricycles and Kettcars, provided by our partner Kettler, were available. Children had a blast, and parents enjoyed nostalgic moments or even joined in the fun.

A special highlight was the graffiti workshop organized by Urban Artists Berlin. Under expert and friendly guidance, kids and adults unleashed their creativity, makinf their own artworks on paper and canvases. It was impressive to see the enthusiasm and talent participants displayed.

The absolute highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly our new interactive puzzle rally. In this exciting game, children can test their detective skills to see if they have what it takes to be a spy. The rally leads them through various stations, where they have to solve tricky puzzles. These challenges are closely tied to the history of Teufelsberg and the impressive street art that adorns the area. At the end of the rally, a reward awaits those who can successfully complete all the tasks.

The puzzle rally was a huge success, bringing smiles to the children’s faces. It was wonderful to see the young spies eagerly and enthusiastically participating. The good news: this exciting rally is now permanently available to all visitors of Teufelsberg. So, a visit in the future is definitely worthwhile to follow in the footsteps of spies and adventurers.

Our family weekend was organized as a kick-off to the summer holidays to offer an unforgettable start to the best time of the year. The many positive feedback as well as the smiles and joy on the children’s faces show that we succeeded. Parents and children alike had fun and enjoyed the diverse activities and offerings. Would you like to get a glimpse of the Family Weekend at Teufelsberg? Check out our Instagram reel and experience the highlights up close!

We sincerely thank all visitors and partners who made this weekend so memorable. Special thanks to the food truck operators, Urban Artists Berlin for the exciting graffiti workshop, and of course Kettler for providing the tricycles and Kettcars. Without you, this weekend would not have been the same.

For those who missed the Family Weekend: Don’t worry, Teufelsberg still has a lot to offer. Come by, participate in our interactive puzzle rally, enjoy the fresh air, and the unique atmosphere of this special place. Summer at Teufelsberg is far from over: we now offer daily guided tours. So, book your tour here and experience Teufelsberg in all its diversity.

See you soon at Teufelsberg!