Festival of Lights Berlin

Berlin as a Walkable Gallery

The Festival of Lights was first held in Berlin in 2005 and has since developed into one of the largest light art festivals worldwide. At its core is a simple yet effective idea: the city itself becomes the canvas. Berlin's landmarks – the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, the Rotes Rathaus, Charlottenburg Palace, the facades on Potsdamer Platz, the French and German Cathedrals on Gendarmenmarkt – become carriers of artistic video projections, laser shows, and animated light installations.

International Artists, Local Stories

What sets the festival apart from a mere tourist attraction is its curatorial ambition. Every year, international light artists are invited to develop installations specifically designed for Berlin buildings. The works often directly reference the history of the location – for example, when the reunification is themed at the Brandenburg Gate or when the Topography of Terror is addressed with thoughtful installations.

Bebelplatz, Potsdamer Platz, and the Entire City Centre

For years, the hotspots have been Bebelplatz – with large-scale light art projections on the Staatsoper, Humboldt University, and St. Hedwig's Cathedral – and Potsdamer Platz, where numerous individual installations are created on the high-rise facades. In addition, there are stations at the Brandenburg Gate, Schlossplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, Pariser Platz, Charlottenburg Palace, and many Berlin bridges. Those who want to see all the hotspots on foot should plan at least two evenings – route maps are available annually on festival-of-lights.de.

Free Access

One of the festival's democratic features: admission is completely free. However, those with tripods should arrive early – the hotspots are crowded from dusk onwards, and the best vantage points are popular. Guided tours (bus, boat, on foot, with special guides) are offered for a fee.