Fotografiska Museum Berlin by Studio Aisslinger

The former Kunsthaus Tacheles [Eng.: Art House Tacheles] has been redesigned by Studio Aisslinger. It is now home to the Fotografiska Museum and features spaces for exhibitions, events and gastronomy.

After Stockholm, Tallinn and New York, this is the fourth branch of the privately operated photography centre. Over an area of 5500 m² on six storeys, the centre now accommodates a restaurant, a bakery, a museum shop, an event space, conference rooms, co-working areas and a rooftop terrace.

The architects from Studio Aisslinger wanted to preserve the rough character of the building, which originally opened in 1909 as a department store and is now listed as an historical monument. Their plans included even the graffiti created during the building’s incarnation as Kunsthaus Tacheles. At the same time, the design concept envisaged a juxtaposition of crude, unfinished surroundings amid sumptuous cosiness and restrained minimalism.

A spatial collage

Wood, natural stone, velvet and plants meet exposed concrete and steel here. The result is a new place that takes up the heterogeneity of the old structure, yet offers a homogeneous design concept for its various uses. One example is Restaurant Verōnika on the fourth upper level, whose concrete ceiling has been left exposed. Moreover, the space has a private dining area that is bedecked with graffiti.

Undulant ceramic tiles and benches covered with leather and velvet characterize the interior of the CaféBar. © Studio Aisslinger

The CaféBar on the ground floor opens onto Oranienburger Strasse. The interior is characterized by benches upholstered in leather and velvet and framed with undulant ceramic tiles. The museum shop and a bakery are also located on the ground floor. The former Golden Hall one level up has been transformed into a multifunctional event space that can be used for concerts, performances, film screenings, presentations and other functions.  

A view over Berlin

Then there are Bar Verōnika and Bar Clara. The first is on the fifth upper level. Loosely arranged sofas and easy chairs interact with a diversity of velvet curtains and walnut wall slatting to create a lounge-like ambience. Bar Clara is in the pyramid-shaped rooftop addition above the two-storey passageway. With its dark wood interior, this bar offers unobstructed views over the Berlin cityscape.