Bauhaus Archive — Attraction in Berlin

I went to the Bauhaus Archive yesterday the other day during a Berlin trip. It wasn't really my idea to go, but when I got there I liked it a lot. The service is great - an example I think other museums could learn from is the FREE audio guide. You just leave some ID, get your audio guide in your chosen language. I can't remember what language there was - I think it was English, German and perhaps French and Spanish?

Anyway.... I was SO inspired going through the history of the artistic, intellectual, architectural Bauhaus. When I went out from the place I felt moved, motivated, curious and in wonder of a lot of things. That's why I really liked it.

Then why does it get four?

(1) Well, I know it's standard, that you cannot take pictures in a museum, but I wish I could- to remember it all. Instead I used a lot of time writing down what I was seeing and the names of the artist or architect That meant in the end, that I did not have time to gaze as much as I wanted and had to focus on specific areas.

(2) CREATIVE?- THEN WHY NOT INTERACTIVE? The Bauhaus Archive focus on design (primarily) in art, furniture, textiles and architectural building, then why not integrating the viewer in (for example) the creative process? How do you come up with ideas? Gladly in a more - not common - way- so it also fits the audience, which is mostly adults in different ages and with primarily interest in history or design .

(3) It should be bigger - more to see from the Bauhaus. They said a lot in the audiobook that they had more and made rotations. I know they do that to not damage ex paintings, but being far away from Berlin it was a bit annoying not to see A LOT of the Bauhaus Archive collection.

Anyway- definitely worth a visit on your next Berlin tour! I...

While it dates to after Gropius' death, and is actually made out of precast, not cast-in-place concrete, the building itself is a very good introduction and "lab" for it's subject. Moreover, it's intimate, and while it's showing its' age, it's better looking, better feeling, and more on-topic as it ages. They should NEVER move out of this building.

The exhibit spaces are well suited to the task, and do a good job of presenting an introduction the basic premise behind the Bauhaus school of thought to the visitor. Inasmuch as the Bauhaus design movement influenced at least half a century of design innovation, and remains a driving force today, there simply is no way to present all of it short of pointing you outside onto the streets of nearly very modern city development in the world.

It's also a nice place to hang out. The cafe has the feel of a student lounge, an impression made even stronger by the outdoor area and wall plastered with posters.

Contrary to a prior reviewer, the shop staff have treated me courteously. In fact I found that one young woman who worked there displayed an extraordinarily ability to understand the anglophone...

I really loved visiting here after years of admiration of the Bauhaus school and studying the history from books, so this felt like visiting an old friend. The location is quite far out of town, so plan your journey but on arrival you can enjoy a nice coffee or snack from the café and then grab an audio guide and enjoy the small but well formed collection. The language is all English friendly and the staff are helpful and very efficient plus you can put your bag in a locker while you look around. The gift shop is lovely, a great selection and perfect for a souvenir or something practical and beautiful. The main gallery is for the public but the library and archive are appointment only so don't expect to be able to walk in without checking first. A lovely morning or afternoon destination if you're...