Exploring Berlin’s Street Art in Kreuzberg and East Side Gallery
Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: November 5, 2024
Berlin is a city where history and rebellion converge, and its vibrant street art scene perfectly captures this spirit. From sprawling murals to hidden tags in quiet alleys, Berlin’s graffiti culture is a powerful canvas for artistic expression, political commentary, and urban identity. As one of the world’s premier street art capitals, alongside cities like New York and São Paulo, Berlin’s graffiti landscape is uniquely diverse. It features a dynamic mix of legally commissioned murals and spontaneous, unauthorized pieces, making the city’s street art as varied and unpredictable as Berlin itself.
Join me as I share my journey through Berlin’s vibrant street art scene, uncovering the best murals, iconic spots, and the stories behind each piece.
Note: Some of the featured artworks in this post may have been removed or repainted over time.
Must See Street Art in Berlin: Kruezberg
Street art in Kreuzberg is a key part of the neighborhood’s character, showcasing its rebellious, creative, and multicultural vibe. The area features everything from massive murals by famous artists like Blu and Victor Ash to smaller, hidden pieces by local and international talents. These artworks often tackle social and political themes, addressing issues like gentrification and identity, while also celebrating the area’s unique culture. Wandering through Kreuzberg feels like exploring an ever-changing gallery, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Berlin’s dynamic art scene.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y7eqignkBN7mD5J67
Astronaut Cosmonaut (2007)
By Victor Ash, French Street Artist
This mural, inspired by the Cold War and the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States, embodies the concept of battling for something beyond Earth—an abstract fight not waged with soldiers but in another dimension. Created in 2007, it stands as one of the oldest and best-preserved artworks in Kreuzberg. Remarkably, it has managed to remain intact and float above the creeping tags that often encroach on street art over time.
Berlin Not for Sale (2014)
By the Orangotango Collective
This mural symbolized the city’s resistance to gentrification and commercialization. It reflects the “Berlin Not for Sale” movement in the 1960s, which advocated for protecting the city’s unique culture and supporting its residents against displacement. Created in 2014, this piece serves as both an artistic statement and a call to action, reminding viewers of the importance of preserving Berlin’s character.
The Pink Man (2007)
By Blu, an Italian Street Artist
This mural serves as a warning against the dangers of societal conformity. Created in 2007, it portrays a giant pink figure composed of numerous smaller, human-like figures clinging together to create a monstrous, unified entity. The pink giant is depicted clutching its own mouth with a strained expression. The Pink Man is often seen as a commentary on mass society, emphasizing how individuals can lose their identity when absorbed into a larger collective.
Must See Street Art in Berlin: East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, spanning 1.3 kilometers and featuring over 100 murals painted by international artists. Created in 1990 after the Wall came down, it stands as a powerful symbol of freedom and unity. On the reverse side of the gallery, known as the West Side, you’ll find vibrant graffiti that adds to Berlin’s dynamic street art scene.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/37LHsiFqa2ikxNgt7
My God, Help Me to Survive this Deadly Love (1990)
By Dmitri Vrubel, Russian Painter
This mural is inspired by the famous photograph of Brezhnev and Honecker sharing a kiss. The “socialist fraternal kiss” was a unique greeting between leaders of socialist states, symbolizing the strong bond between Communist countries. It typically involved an embrace followed by three kisses on alternating cheeks. However, in rare instances, when the leaders felt particularly close, the kiss was exchanged on the mouth instead of the cheeks.
Test the Rest (2009)
By Birgit Kinder, German Painter
This mural, originally created in 1990 and known as Test the Best until it was renamed Test the Rest in 2009 due to the City of Berlin’s handling of the East Side Gallery at the time. It features the iconic Trabant, a popular car among East Germans, depicted breaking through the Berlin Wall. The mural serves as a poignant reminder of those who attempted to escape to the West, symbolizing the struggle for freedom and the resilience of those affected by the division.
It’s Happened in November (1990)
By Kani Alavi, German Iranian
This mural was inspired by the range of emotions Alavi witnessed on the faces of East Germans as he watched the demolition of the Berlin Wall from his apartment in November 1989. It captures the expressions of East Germans who flooded to the West after the Wall fell. In an interview, Alavi recalled seeing East Berliners streaming through “live a wave of water. Some were joyful, some were doubtful, some were afraid they might [have the chance to] cross again.”
Notable Crews
1UP Crew: The 1UP (One United Power) is a well-known graffiti crew from Kreuzberg, known for covering up a large amount of tags in a single night, painting rooftop, and doing full train paintings. They’ve been active since 2003 and have anywhere from 10 to 50 members, with a mix of genders and ages ranging from 20 to 40. While most are German, some members come from other European countries too.
Berlin Kidz: One of Berlin’s most influential graffiti crews hailing from Kreuzberg, they’re known for their distinctive lettering and pichação-inspired style. The crew often sticks to red and blue in their pieces, symbolizing blood and freedom. They’re also recognized for their daring, gravity-defying graffiti, frequently scaling buildings and bridges to tag those hard-to-reach spots.
Enjoy Your Time in Berlin
I hope this post gives you a fresh perspective on Berlin’s dynamic art culture and helps you find some unforgettable pieces along the way. Each mural tells a unique story about the city’s spirit and history. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment to let us know what you think.
Read our relevant posts to learn more about visiting Berlin.
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