Only in Berlin could a hulking, aboveground World War II‒era concrete bunker, right in the center of the city, be turned into an art gallery. The structure—too bulky to be blown up after the war—was transformed in 2008 by collector-curator Christian Boros, who lives in a penthouse on top of the building. After extensive renovation, the lower floors house the Boros Collection, around 500 works of art spanning sculpture, installations, paintings, and photography. Works change every couple of years but always feature big international names such as Damien Hirst, Olafur Eliasson, Elizabeth Peyton, Wolfgang Tillmans, Manfred Pernice, Ai Weiwei, and Michel Majerus. You can view the collection only on weekends, as part of a guided tour; book an appointment via the website.
The Bunker is in Berlin Mitte and is a private exhibition space for the contemporary art collection of Christian Boros, displayed on 3000 square metres of space, Berlin
Karl Johaentges / agefotostock
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Sammlung Boros
Street art turns up all across Berlin, including outside Sammlung Boros, a museum space that showcases contemporary artists such as Ai Weiwei, Alicia Kwade, and Wolfgang Tillman. A former Nazi bunker during World War II, the building has also done time as a fruit storage facility and a techno dance club. Plan ahead to secure a tour of the exceptional space.
Sammlung Boros
Since 2003, Sammlung Boros museum has hosted works by contemporary artists including Ai Weiwei, Alicia Kwade, and Wolfgang Tillman. The mix has only changed twice since its inception, so museum fans are highly anticipating a new collection, to be opened in the spring of 2017. Plan ahead (six to eight weeks should do the trick) to secure a tour of this exceptional space—or stand by in case of no-shows. The experience is well worth it.
