The Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) is one of Germany’s leading institutions for contemporary art and global cultural dialogue. Located in Berlin’s Tiergarten Park on the banks of the River Spree, the HKW occupies a striking building constructed in 1957 as a symbol of transatlantic cooperation. Its iconic wave-shaped roof has made it a landmark of postwar modernist architecture.
The HKW focuses on interdisciplinary projects that bring together art, science, philosophy, and social critique. It hosts exhibitions of contemporary art, concerts, film festivals, symposia, lectures, and performance events addressing global issues — from postcolonial legacies to digital transformations.
The institution places special emphasis on non-European cultures and artistic practices, fostering dialogue across regions, disciplines, and audiences. It plays a vital role in rethinking the place of art in a global society and in expanding the cultural boundaries of the traditional museum format.
More than a cultural venue, the HKW is a laboratory of the future — open to experimentation, dialogue, and inclusivity. It has become a symbol of Berlin’s contemporary intellectual life, uniting artistic expression with pressing global concerns.