SESH

Haus Der Kulturen Der Welt, known in English as the House of World Cultures, is a renowned cultural venue situated in Berlin, Germany. Originally inaugurated in 1957 as the Kongresshalle, the structure was a gift from the United States to West Berlin, intended as a symbol of freedom and international exchange during the Cold War. Its unique, modernist architecture—often likened to a "pregnant oyster"—was designed by American architect Hugh Stubbins and has since become one of Berlin's most distinctive landmarks.

Over the decades, the venue evolved from a congress center into a multidisciplinary cultural institution. In 1989, it was officially rebranded as Haus Der Kulturen Der Welt, shifting focus toward contemporary arts, music, literature, and theoretical discourse concerning global and transcultural issues. The venue suffered structural damage in 1980 when part of the roof collapsed, resulting in renovations and eventual restoration by 1987.

Since then, the building has been meticulously maintained, balancing its historical significance with functional updates to support a wide range of artistic activities. Haus Der Kulturen Der Welt has earned a reputation as a hub for avant-garde creativity and international collaboration. It acts as a platform for artists, thinkers, and performers from around the globe, fostering dialogue on topics such as migration, postcolonialism, environmental crises, and new digital cultures.

The venue regularly hosts festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and conferences, attracting both local and international audiences. Its cultural significance is heightened by its commitment to inclusivity and innovation, helping position Berlin as a leading city for global contemporary art and discourse. Although it has remained at its original location in Berlin’s Tiergarten district, the space has been continually adapted for new uses and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring its ongoing relevance in the city’s dynamic cultural landscape.

Notable artists who have performed or exhibited work at Haus Der Kulturen Der Welt include international figures such as Laurie Anderson, Brian Eno, Yoko Ono, William Kentridge, Björk, and Chilly Gonzales, as well as prominent local artists like Einstürzende Neubauten, Natascha Sadr Haghighian, Sasha Waltz, and Mo‘hawk. The venue has also hosted influential curators and cultural icons, further cementing its status as a leading stage for boundary-pushing artistic expression.