You could have lived in Berlin all of your life and easily missed this monument right next to Alexanderplatz in the center of the city, just like I have. The Klosterruine is what is left of a Franciscan minster and probably the very last remains of medieval cloister culture in Berlin. It was also the first building completely constructed using bricks and seeing some of the walls still standing is truly awe-inspiring.
What else is there to see than Berlin’s history of decay and reconstruction? Art! Since the 80s, contemporary artists have regularly been exhibiting their work in the outdoors. As the roof is missing, the artworks undergo a very particular process depending on the weather. In the winter months (October to April), the site remains closed but can still be marveled at from outside. In the summer months (May to September, 10:00 – 18:00), you can walk into the minister and imagine it in all of its glory looking up the remaining walls.
