Description
When most people think of Berlin the following words come to mind; vibrant, modern, edgy, dynamic, alternative, sexy, chilled; the list goes on! These words are a true reflection of modern Berlin and the reason why so many people from all walks of life call this place home. Around the centre of Mitte and further north in the district of Prenzlauer Berg, artists, poets, anarchists and dreamers have descended to be a part of this alternative and open society. Along with this diverse group of people came street artists and they have over the last 10 years changed and improved the streetscape of beautiful Berlin. Together with a local guide, we run through these districts discovering sensational street art which range in size from tiny to the height of an apartment block!
Berlin has always been known as a street art/graffiti mecca, but in the last 10 years, the city has attracted the best street artists from across the globe. In the ultra-cool neighbourhood of Prenzlauer Berg and north Mitte street artists have made their mark literally; from Tristan Eatons ‘Attack of the 50-foot socialite’ to ‘Dedicated to’ by Various and Gould, these huge murals will wow you as we meander through this very special district. Spanish artist Deih as part of the One Wall project has created an amazing apartment block size mural in the style of Japanese comic books with its strong use of bright colours. Of course, we will also pass amazing apartment size murals by local artists such as the jaw-dropping tribute to multiculturism by Herakut; this has to be seen to be believed! Marcus Haas ‘Steak’ mural representing Berlin when it was divided by the wall is quite an interesting interpretation and of course a must see. On our run, we will see all of these murals and many more!
The Sensational Street Art running tour not only passes large murals but also smaller murals along key strips such as the Dircksenstrasse street art stretch which is considered the epicentre of the Berlin street art world. Small pieces by unknown artists rest side by side with works by well-known artists such as El Bocho and SOBR. Haus Schwarzenberg is a small courtyard and possibly one of the most creative hubs in Berlin. Surrounded by the affluent Hackescher Hof, this alternative courtyard is a space for creative street artists to showcase their talent; the Anne Frank mural here really stands out. In addition to running past all these unbelievable sights, there will also be some nice running through pretty parks such as Mauerpark, Volkspark Friedrichshain, Ernst Thalmann park and Berlin Wall Memorial park.
Our tour will begin at the most famous of landmarks, the Hackescher Markt and we will finish here as well. After we have finished you will have been just wowed by the unbelievable murals and stories that you have just experienced along with the endorphins gained from doing the best exercise possible – Running!
Sophie Picard –
I used to think street art was very short lived, spray paint galore. But it is in fact well organized, mostly humourous and admirable vibrant creativity on the city walls. Stephen knows a lot about the artists and will teach you how to look at the walls everywhere around you with a brand new artistic perspective.
Oh and Stephen will adapt to your pace, even though it’s turtle slow (like me) and won’t make you feel bad about it for a single second. Go ahead and enjoy more than just one wall in Berlin!
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