Spectacular installations await within these brick walls. This is the KINDL Centre for Contemporary Art. It stands on the historic site of the former Kindl Brewery. Here in Berlin-Neukölln it offers exhibition space. Since 2016, the KINDL has hosted around five exhibitions a year.
The building is a hybrid cultural venue. Architectural history meets contemporary art here in an exciting way. The ensemble of rooms includes a machine house, brewhouse, tower and boiler house.
The KINDL presents monographic shows. It also features thematic group exhibitions. International artists of different genres display their works on the three floors of the machine house. The machine house was redesigned on a private initiative.
The architecture is remarkable. The boiler house boasts a ceiling height of 20 meters. This offers a unique setting for site-specific works. These works often deal with the particular spatial situation.
The Kindl brewery rose from the spirit of expressionism in the late 1920s. It was a world-class production facility. After its closure in 2005, the listed building stood empty for years.
In 2011, two German art aficionados began developing it into the current art centre. The renovated complex opened in October 2016. The industrial monument makes a lasting impression. A glance upwards reveals the tower’s size. The entrance looks like a modern portal to a Gothic house.
The high windows of the boiler house reach almost to the ceiling. The building provides extraordinary space for large installations. Roman Signer’s suspended sports aircraft was part of an exhibition here. Spectacular exhibitions like Kitfox Experimental have taken place here.
Several rooms in the powerhouse host a variety of events. Bright tiled walls create an inspiring atmosphere. They are perfect for video installations, talks with artists, concerts and readings. Massive support structures remain on the ceiling. These give the place a solid dramatic mood.
The Kesselhaus is no less impressive. The six giant receptacles echo Metropolis and steampunk culture. The Kafenion King Otto serves drinks and snacks. It is located in this bizarre ambiance. A small brewery manufactures barley juice under the Kesselhaus. It continues to produce highly rated craft beer. You can enjoy one in the beer garden directly in front of the building.
The KINDL boasts the once largest brewing pans in Europe. Its exhibition complex covers 5500 square meters. The former industrial building provides space for art and cultural events. It features heritage architecture from the 1920s. You can also find a café, beer garden and craft brewery here.
Grisard Architektur gently renovated the dark red brick building. It was built between 1926 and 1930. The architects Claus and Schepke designed it in the style of Expressionism. Targeted lighting showcases the old building.
A unique staircase made of exposed concrete and glass was erected on the east side. This provides direct access to the art galleries. It offers a great view over Berlin. The daring Z-shaped concrete construction contrasts with the dark red brick walls.
A beer garden sits 50 cm lower than the plaza. It is in front of the south facade. The concrete elements echo the new concrete staircase. The sloping surface forms a contemporary foreground. It provides visitors with an outdoor seating area.
An attractive new exhibition space was created on the top floor of the machine house. The existing dilapidated roof was removed. The room was raised by three meters. A shed roof with north-facing skylights replaced the old roof.
Visitors entering the new east entrance are greeted by a generous foyer. This connects to the brewery room with the six large copper kettles. The museum café is located here. The design of the new bar was inspired by a remodeling in the 50s.
Don’t miss the KINDL’s café in the brewhouse. It sits between original copper pans. The beer garden in the plane tree grove invites visitors until the evening.