One of Berlin’s most recent centers for contemporary art, the KINDL Zentrum für zeitgenössische Kunst opened only in 2016 after years of careful renovations in the former brewery. Kindl, the name of a traditional Berlin beer brand, has become KINDL: An exhibition space for contemporary art on three floors with a breathtaking view over the vibrant district of Neukölln.
My favorite part of the immense brick building is probably the entrance area: The so-called brew house with its six enormous copper kettles, once the biggest of its kind in Europe, which now features an intimate café. In the warmer months, the big square outside makes spaces for a beer garden. On a Sunday (psst, the admission is free every first Sunday of the month), it can feel like a small neighborhood gathering, with old and young, art enthusiasts and curious locals coming together.
What I like most about KINDL is its simple concept and how well it fits into my Kiez of North-Neukölln: An old, almost forgotten brewery goes new, local art. While KINDL is restoring the historical facade, it is adding nothing artificial or chic, which makes the art center accessible for everyone who usually is too shy to enter modern galleries.