Around 1900, the relationship between city and countryside changed fundamentally. With industrialization and advancing urbanization, growing cities became centers of economic, social, and cultural dynamism. The influx of workers created new social milieus – and at the same time led to tensions that shaped urban life. The hustle and bustle, noise, and cramped conditions of the big city triggered a growing longing for the countryside, which was idealized as an alternative world and a place of relaxation.
In the art of the period, these developments found wide resonance. Founded in 1899, the Berlin Secession brought together artists who turned away from the academic art world and embraced both the fascination and the contradictions of modernity. Painters such as Hans Baluschek, Otto Nagel, and Willy Jaeckel addressed the glamour and misery of the metropolis, while Karl Hagemeister and Walter Leistikow focused on the untouched magic of Berlin’s countryside and beyond. The exhibition “Havel Air and City Lights” impressively shows how urban life and rural idyll were depicted in art – from the late 19th century to the turbulent 1920s.

Program for the Exhibition.

Opening of the Exhibition

Thu, Oct 16, 6 PM, no registration required

Free Public Tours (In German)

Every Saturday at 3 PM (plus museum admission), no registration required

Digital Curator Tour

On Fri, Oct 17 at 6 PM, a live tour will take place on Instagram @broehan_museum

Free “Family Sundays”

Every 3rd Sunday of the month at 11 AM, for children (ages 5–12) and their families, 90 minutes
Registration required at: vermittlung@broehan-museum.de / Tel: 030/32690625

Painting Salon – City or Countryside

Dive into the world of Berlin Secession painting and get creative yourself!
In our three-hour painting salon, you can choose between landscape painting or urban scenes. Selected artworks from the exhibition serve as inspiration. Under professional guidance, you will create your own artwork. No prior experience necessary.

Landscape Painting: Sat, Nov 8 / Dec 6 / Jan 10 / Feb 7, 2–5 PM (All dates are fully booked.)

Urban Scene: Sat, Nov 22 / Dec 20 / Jan 24 / Feb 21, 2–5 PM (All dates are fully booked.)

For ages 16+, €65 per person (incl. admission and materials), limited number of participants
Binding registration required at least 3 days before the chosen date: vermittlung@broehan-museum.de / Tel: 030/32690625

Find more Information here

Art & Aperitif

Start the weekend in a relaxed atmosphere: After our exclusive Friday guided tours through the exhibition, we raise a glass together. (In German)

Fri, Oct 31: City & Countryside – Curator Tour

Fri, Nov 14: Biographies of the Artworks – Provenance Research at the Bröhan Museum

Fri, Dec 12: Scandals of the Berlin Secession

Fri, Jan 9: The Berlin Secession and Its Enemies

Fri, Feb 13: City & Countryside – Curator Tour

Each at 6 PM, tour including one drink: €20 per person, limited capacity, no registration required

You can finde more information here

Happy Wednesday

Reduced admission every first Wednesday of the month

Bookable Group Tours

You can book individual tours for our exhibitions – whether it’s a group tour, a curator-led tour, or an exclusive evening tour, we offer the right option for your needs.

Duration: 60 minutes

Cost: €80 / €120 / €200 (plus museum admission)

More information and booking at: https://www.broehan-museum.de/en/education-and-outreach/