SESH

Schinkel Pavillon is an iconic contemporary art space and cultural venue located in Berlin, Germany, celebrated for its innovative exhibitions and events that often blur the boundaries between art, architecture, and nightlife. Situated in the heart of Berlin near Museum Island, the Schinkel Pavillon occupies a unique architectural structure originally designed in the late modernist style. Its name pays homage to the renowned 19th-century Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, although the present-day glass-and-steel pavilion was constructed in 1969 by Richard Paulick and associates.

Since its conversion into an art venue in 2007, the Schinkel Pavillon has become known not just for its cutting-edge exhibitions and experimental programming but also for its occasional transformation into a vibrant nightlife destination, attracting a diverse, avant-garde crowd. The venue’s striking circular glass architecture provides a panoramic view of the city’s historic core, creating an immersive environment that merges art with its urban context. Over the years, the Schinkel Pavillon has built a significant reputation within Berlin’s contemporary art scene, representing a hub for artistic experimentation and critical discourse.

Its programming emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, frequently hosting performances, installations, talks, and parties that attract both local and international audiences. While the Pavillon itself has remained at its original location on the grounds of the former Kronprinzenpalais, the institution has periodically expanded its footprint within Berlin by engaging in site-specific projects and satellite exhibitions elsewhere. The structure has undergone renovations and updates to enhance its role as a flexible, multipurpose platform, but its distinctive circular form and transparent design remain largely unchanged, preserving its legacy as a hallmark of modernist architecture in the city.

In terms of nightlife, the Schinkel Pavillon stands apart from the city’s renowned techno clubs, instead fostering a more experimental and performative atmosphere. The venue has occasionally collaborated with art collectives and music curators to host club nights and hybrid events that feature live music, DJ sets, and artistic performances, drawing an eclectic mix of cultural producers and audiences. Notable artists who have exhibited, performed, or DJed at the Schinkel Pavillon include international figures such as Carsten Nicolai (Alva Noto), Anne Imhof, Cyprien Gaillard, Wolfgang Tillmans, Emily Sundblad, and Wu Tsang, as well as prominent local artists and collectives like Tino Sehgal, Eli Cortiñas, and Berlin-based label PAN with artists such as Amnesia Scanner and Bill Kouligas.

These collaborations underscore the venue’s ongoing commitment to fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue and its unique status within Berlin’s nightlife and art worlds.