--- title: "The Open Spaces" date: 2022-11-10 last_modified: 2025-11-04T09:05:20+01:00 generated_at: 2026-06-08T21:46:16Z url: "https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/open-spaces" description: "Would you like to plan and create an entire exhibition together with our team?" image: "https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1_freiflaeche_30kg_in_berlin_globalc_stadtmuseum_berlin_und_kulturprojekte_berlin_foto_michael_setzpfandt-1920x1280.jpeg" language: "en-US" --- # The Open Spaces # The Open Spaces in BERLIN GLOBAL – Berlin Exhibition at the Humboldt Forum ![Raumansicht der Freiflächen-Ausstellung 30kg](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/MIS_2298-1920x1280-2-300x200.jpg) - ##### Note The last call for Open Space applications ended on 31 August 2023. We are currently not planning a new call. ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaechen_03_853p-300x200.jpg) ### New Open Space projects at BERLIN GLOBAL In summer 2023 we were looking for groups and organizations to realize their exhibition projects with us on the Open Spaces in BERLIN GLOBAL. 34 ideas were submitted. An independent jury selected three new projects, set to open in 2025 and 2026. [ Find out more here](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/article/new-open-space-projects-at-berlin-global) ## Create your own exhibition! How have Berlin and Berliners impacted the world? How have events throughout the globe affected Berlin? And how do we want to shape the city, now and in the future? In the BERLIN GLOBAL exhibition, the Stadtmuseum Berlin and many different partners seek answers to these questions. The exhibition focuses on seven central themes: Revolution, Free Space, Boundaries, Entertainment, War, Fashion and Interconnection. > We also want your views, topics and stories to be part of the exhibition! ![Eine blau unterlegte Fläche im Ausstellungsraum Berlin Bilder bei Berlin Global](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaeche_Berlin_Bilder_Foto_Oana_Popa-Costea-960x529-1-300x165.jpg) ### Do you have: ... something to say about Berlin, Berliners and their connections with the world? ... a topic of major relevance for life in Berlin? ... the motivation to plan and create your own exhibit? ## On the Open Spaces you are invited to do just that. You bring the idea and the drive, and we support you with a budget and additional resources. The aim is to increase visibility of perspectives on Berlin’s past and present that have not received sufficient representation in museums and exhibitions – including BERLIN GLOBAL. These might be BIPoC, queer, neurodiverse, physically diverse, or intersectional perspectives. The Open Spaces are part of the Stadtmuseum Berlin’s steps toward greater diversity and inclusion. ## Current projects - [ ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BG_FF_Wenn-ich-KoenigIn-waere_Stadtmuseum-Website_EN_1200x900px-300x225.png)](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/if-i-were-king-or-queen) - [ ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BG_FF_DaraTuye_Humboldt-Forum_EN_1280x600px-300x141.png)](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/dara-tuye-the-mulberry-tree) - [ ![Auf der Grafik ist eine weiße Tasse zu sehen, deren Rand zersplittert ist. Es liegen drei Zuckerwürfel in Rot auf der Untertasse. Im Hintergrund steht vor rotem Grund: Freiheit, Gleichheit, Solidarnosc.](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BG_Solidarnosc_Tasse_1080x1080px_pure-300x300.jpg) Special Exhibition ### Liberty, Equality, Solidarność. Polish Viewpoints in Berlin The Open Space “Liberty, Equality, Solidarność” in the BERLIN GLOBAL exhibition looks at Berlin as a site of Polish struggles for freedom and against discrimination, as well as a place of dialogue and solidarity. 06/01/2024 – 03/16/2026 Berlin Exhibition ](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/liberty-equality-solidarnosc-polish-viewpoints-in-berlin) - [ ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/BG_Freiflaeche-Wohnungslosigkeit_1080x1080px_ohneSchrift-300x300.jpg)](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/here-and-now) - [ ![Bildcollage aus Häusern und Graffiti](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Gentrifizierung_c_Bernardi_Paganelli_Voignier1-300x193.jpg) Special Exhibition ### We’re staying! Gentrification and resistance in Berlin Open Space | Berlin Exhibition at the Humboldt Forum 03/04/2023 – 02/10/2025 Berlin Exhibition ](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/were-staying) - [ ![Künstler:innen der Kunstwerkstatt Kreuzberg führen durch ihre Freiflächen-Ausstellung „Un certain regard“ im Raum Verflechtung.](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BG_Kunstwerkstatt-Kreuzberg_1-c-Stadtmuseum-Berlin-Foto_Oana_Popa-Costea-300x200.jpg) Special Exhibition ### Un certain regard – Everyone belongs Open Space | Berlin Exhibition at the Humboldt Forum 07/21/2021 – 11/21/2022 BERLIN GLOBAL ](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/un-certain-regard-everyone-belongs) - [ ![Portraits von Menschen in Schwarz-Weiß auf ausgedrucktem Papier vor blauer Wand](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/MIS_5479-1920x1280-1-300x200.jpg) Special Exhibition ### Citizens with Equal Rights Open Space | Berlin Exhibition at the Humboldt Forum 11/27/2021 – 03/27/2023 BERLIN GLOBAL ](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/citizens-with-equal-rights) - [ ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/MIS_2298-1920x1280-1-300x200.jpg)](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/30-kg) ## Programme - [ ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BG_FF_TimeMachine_SSB-Website_EN_1200x900px-300x225.png)](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/events/open-space-vernissage-time-machine-infinitum) - [ ![Eine stilisierte Disco-Kugel in rotblau](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/5JahreBerlinGlobal-300x225.png) Day of action, Music, Open Spaces ### 5 Years of BERLIN GLOBAL: The Anniversary Festival Featuring live performances by BABYJOY, Güner Künier, Anthony Hüseyin and many more highlights 2026-07-04 11:00:00 Berlin Exhibition ](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/events/5-years-of-berlin-global) ## How to apply ![]() ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaechen_01_853p.jpg) YOUR IDEA – You are a group with something to say. We – the Stadtmuseum Berlin – will support you. ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaechen_02_853p.jpg) APPLICATION – Describe the idea for your project on the online application form. Words, images or videos – the format is up to you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Application deadline: 31 August 2023. ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaechen_03_853p.jpg) JURY – An independent jury of active Berlin residents will select 2-3 projects for the Open Spaces. It will meet in October 2023. ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaechen_04_853p.jpg) NOTIFICATION – If your idea is chosen – congratulations! If your project isn’t selected, we’ll let you know. ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaechen_05_853p.jpg) FRAMEWORK – Together we’ll work out the details of your project, define the budget, set a timeline and draw up a contract. When: November 2023 to February 2024. ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaechen_06_853p.jpg) PROJECT – Now you can get started! You have 12 months to create your exhibit. You decide on the content and presentation, and we support you in any way we can. ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaechen_07_853p.jpg) OPENING – Et voilà! Together we’ll unveil your project to the public. It will be part of BERLIN GLOBAL for about a year and a half. The two Open Spaces for this application period will open in February and October 2025, respectively. ![](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Freiflaechen_08_853p.png) PROGRAMME – And that’s not all! Together we’ll design a programme of events over the course of your exhibition. ## FAQ ### What kinds of projects are we talking about? Open Space projects should highlight views of Berlin’s past and present that haven’t received sufficient attention in museums or exhibitions – including BERLIN GLOBAL. Examples include BIPoC, queer, neurodiverse, physically diverse or intersectional perspectives. Open Space content can supplement, expand, comment on or critically question the BERLIN GLOBAL exhibition. It can be inspired by a particular subject area in BERLIN GLOBAL, or its overarching theme of “Berlin and the world”. Open Spaces can also treat topics that are not covered in the rest of BERLIN GLOBAL. Open Spaces need not be artistic in nature – we are happy to support in the presentation of your exhibit, with the help of professional designers if needed. However, your application should include a concrete idea for the Open Space presentation. ### What do the Open Spaces look like? The Open Spaces are three defined areas within the BERLIN GLOBAL exhibition, each with a distinctive blue background. Open Space A is in the “Interconnection” room and is best suited for flat elements that hang on its five wall segments (13.6 running metres total). Open Space B in the “Berlin Images” room and Open Space C between the “Boundaries” and “Entertainment” rooms offer 28 and 36 m2 of floor space respectively. Currently we are only accepting applications for Open Spaces A and B. [Click here to see floor plans and photos](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230530_Plans_photos_Open-Spaces_BG.pdf) ### Who can apply? Groups of individuals or representatives of an organisation, association, initiative etc. can apply. At least three people should be responsible for the project. We are especially interested in project partners whose perspectives have thus far been underrepresented in museums or exhibitions, such as BIPoC, queer, neurodiverse or physically diverse persons. Whatever topic you present: It’s important that the project doesn’t simply talk *about* people, but rather that people with the relevant experience are part of your team. ### What is the application process? **Call for applications** Every 12–18 months, we invite the public to submit ideas for exhibitions in two of BERLIN GLOBAL’s three Open Spaces. **Application** As soon as the application period opens, you can apply directly using the online form. You can submit your project idea in writing, or in the form of photos, videos, sketches or audio files. You can also use combinations thereof. Further instructions are found on the application page. If you’d like assistance with the application form, don’t hesitate to contact us. **Jury decision** The jury members are representatives of Berlin’s civil society. When the application period ends, they meet to discuss the submissions and select the projects for the Open Spaces. ### What are the selection criteria? **The jury will select two projects that best fit the following criteria:** - The applicants are a group of individuals, and/or representatives of an organisation, initiative or association. **At least three people** are primarily responsible for the project. The Open Space is **not a solo exhibition**. - The project highlights **perspectives** that have been insufficiently represented in museums or exhibitions. Examples include BIPoC, queer, neurodiverse, physically diverse and intersectional perspectives. - The project is highly **relevant for Berlin today**. - The project’s **topic or** **question** engages with BERLIN GLOBAL, perhaps as a supplement or expansion, or also as a contrast or critique. - The application presents a **concrete idea** for an exhibit on one of the Open Spaces, including initial thoughts about the form it will take. - The project will be developed solely for an Open Space and has not appeared anywhere else. - The project does not centre on the applicants’ self-promotion. - The project does not pursue any commercial goals. - The project does not pursue any party-related political goals. - The project respects **human dignity**. It contains no insults, obscenities, personal attacks, content that glorifies violence or is racist, antisemitic, Islamophobic, homophobic, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory or defamatory. None of the participants promote content of this type in any other context. The jury will not judge the professionalism of the applications. The jury will ensure a diversity in its selection – with respect to both the other project in the application period and to past and currently planned Open Spaces. With all other criteria in mind, preferential consideration will be given to at least one project whose team includes BIPoC members. ### How is an Open Space project created? **Concretisation of the idea** If the jury selects your idea, we’ll meet with you about three times to plan the next steps. Together we’ll put your idea into concrete terms, work out a budget, set up a timeline and formulate a contract. That means: - We **clarify** your and our roles in the project. - We **decide** whether we want to work with an external design and/or media company. - We jointly **assess** whether your project idea can be done within the budget and framework conditions of an Open Space. If it is not possible to find a common workable basis, either party can terminate the process. **Contract** Everything we decide together will be specified in a joint **contract**. **Joint project development and creation** - Each project is developed and created **jointly over a period of 12 months** (“project phase”). The Open Space exhibit periods are staggered, which means several months might pass between signing the contract and starting the project phase (see the Timeline section in the FAQs). - **You are the curators of your Open Space:** You will further develop your idea, research the content and decide what will be shown and in what form. The only limits are laid out in our “Ground rules” for working together. - **We will support you** with our experience from different areas of the Stadtmuseum. We’ll provide feedback on your content, coordinate collaboration with external companies and be responsible for administering the budget. **Opening** - At the end of the project phase, we’ll **unveil** your exhibition and celebrate with you and the public! - Your exhibit will run for **about one and a half years in the BERLIN GLOBAL exhibition**, with related educational and event programming. - We will showcase your Open Space on our **website** and advertise it on various **social and print media**. When your exhibition closes, we would welcome the opportunity to continue working with you as project partners – if this is amenable to both sides. ### Are there standards we need to meet? Yes. It’s important that the Open Spaces – just like the BERLIN GLOBAL exhibition – speak to a very broad public. To facilitate this, we’ve developed [inclusive and construction-related guidelines](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230530_Inclusion_construction_guildelines.pdf) . The [“Ground rules”](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230530_Ground-rules_Open-Spaces_BG.pdf) describe our communication with each other and the limits of what can be said. They apply both to us and to you. Additional points can be included in the contract. The Humboldt Forum has [house rules](https://www.humboldtforum.org/en/houserules/) for visitors to the entire site, including BERLIN GLOBAL. Throughout the project, both sides have the option to call on an external mediator in case of conflict. ### What is the timeline? Call for applications: 1 June to 31 August 2023 The jury will meet in October 2023. **Open Space A (Interconnection room)** Concretisation of the project idea: November 2023 to January 2024 Development/creation: February 2024 to February 2025 Opening: February 2025 Exhibition including auxiliary programme: February 2025 to October 2026 **Open Space B (Berlin Images room)** Concretisation of the project idea: January to February 2024 Development/creation: October 2024 to October 2025 Opening: October 2025 Exhibition including auxiliary programme: October 2025 to March 2027 ### What is the budget and what does it cover? The Stadtmuseum Berlin provides a budget of 30,000 to 50,000 euros for each Open Space project. Your application doesn’t need to include a budget plan. The jury is interested solely in the project idea. If your project is chosen, we’ll work out the budget together in the concretisation phase. The budget has to cover all the costs of the Open Space presentation. These include but are not limited to: Exhibition design, media production, materials, technical equipment if relevant, fees, contracts for work and services, volunteer expenses, film and photo licensing fees, object costs (borrowing fees, transportation, insurance), copy editing, translation, lighting. Costs for the event and education programme and for external communications are budgeted separately. The Stadtmuseum Berlin is responsible for administering the budget. ### Contact **Sophie Perl** Participation and Open Spaces, BERLIN GLOBAL Curatorial team +49 30 24002 175 ![Key Visual der Berlin Ausstellung im Humboldt Forum.](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/221011_BerlinGlobal_KEY-Bisky_Kampagne2022_1200x800-300x200.png) [ Find out more!](https://staging.stadtmuseum.de/en/museum/berlin-global)