Visiting Berlin’s creative street art scene is something that should definitely be done if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary and unique and add an excellent new experience to your trip to Berlin. So how come Berlin street art is special and why it would be a good idea for you to follow a free walking tour to discover the secrets of colorful murals and graffiti-walls?
The Origins of Berlin’s Street Art Culture
It is also part of Berlin’s history: deep into the city’s streets lies this culture of Berlin street art. In the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the reunified city began oeing considered a hub for artists from all corners of the globe. A canvas the blank concrete walls were to be, to make political and social messages, giving credence to the birth of the most dynamic street art scenes in the world.
Berlin’s street art is a political statement, an abstract piece of art, and everything in between, the kitschy and the silly, the ugly and the beautiful, and stranger things still, as it represents the city’s diversity and creativity, as well as its every changing nature. It not only gives you a view of Berlin’s past, but it also gives you a look into what is going on in Berlin’s culture now.
What to Expect on a Free Walking Tour
If you are a beginner for the world of street art, then participating in free walking tour is a good way to get into Berlin´s street art scene. In particular, the tours are led by local guides who are truly passionate about the subject itself and its hidden gems that you would most likely miss on your own.
You’ll go on a tour of various neighborhoods with their own reputation for street art, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Wedding. Although the guide is bilingual, it is Spanish, so don’t worry if you don’t speak it; your guide will take you through colorful alleyways, pointing out all the important murals and explaining the stories behind them, how the people used to paint them, and who painted them.
Some of the things you will experience on a normal free walking tour include:
- Some of these including the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall covered in colorful murals that are visited.
- Getting to know Berlin’s history and heritage when it comes to street art.
- Using the street artists’ techniques, stenciling, wheat pasting and spray painting, to find out what others have been doing on the streets.
- The getting of insights in the lives and stories of famous street artists.
- Lesser known neighborhoods and hidden street art gems.
Tips for a Memorable Street Art Tou
Things you should take into account in order to get the most out of the free walking tour in Berlin and to fully immers yourself in the culture of street art in Berlin:
1. Dress comfortably
Because walking tours can be quite extensive, wear comfortable shoes and dress accordingly for weather. Make extra room since you’ll be going through both outdoor and indoor spaces.
2. Bring a camera
Capturing the vibrant street art with so many awe inspiring artwork around will make you want to do so until you can’t. Don’t forget to carry your camera or your smartphone to shoot the favorite pieces as you make your way. Be sure not to violate the artists’ copyrights and take photos only where it’s permitted.
3. Ask questions
Street art is the focus of the free walking tour guides, who are knowledgeable and passionate. There is no harm in asking questions and interacting with them. They can be a good source of information and advice on the artists and which street art can be found in the city.
4. Support local artists
After the tour, it is recommended to support the local street art business by purchasing artworks from the local street art galleries or independents. That sustains that scene and at the same time lets you bring home a piece of Berlin’s street art culture.
Conclusion
The perfect way to explore Berlin’s street art scene is to do a free walking tour and get yourself immersed in the city’s culture and history and contemporary art scene. It’ll give you a better understanding of the art form itself and from the extremely talented artists who make the colourful masterpieces.
Therefore, the next time you are in Berlin, strap your walking shoes on, put your camera out, and make a free tour for the tricks of the Berlin street art. This unique form of expression will get you ready to be amazed, inspired, enlightened and more…
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