Art tour to Berlin by air: 4 days, 3 nights
Your art tour to Berlin will enable your students to experience the powerful art and architecture that the city has to offer. From the iconic form of the Brandenburg Gate to the impressive art of the Bauhaus Museum, this tour is sure to enrich, inspire and extend your students’ understanding.
Similar tours
Suggested itinerary
Day one
- Arrival day
Day two
- Hamburger Bahnhof
- Alte Nationalgalerie
- Illuseum
- TV Tower + Bodyworlds Museum
Day three
- Street Art Tour
- Berlinische Galerie
- Neue Nationalgalerie
Day four
- East Side Gallery
- Travel home
Tour gallery
Excursion locator map
Excursion Ideas
Brandenburg Gate
Subject range: Art
What you’ll experience: The only remaining city gate of Berlin, it formerly represented the separation of the city between East and West. Since the Wall came down in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate has come to symbolise German unity.Select says: The gate is made of sandstone and is one of the finest examples of German classicism.The Reichstag
Subject range: Art, History
What you’ll experience: The Reichstag is the most famous landmark in Berlin and seat of the German Parliament. Between 1994 and 1999 it was redesigned and expanded by the British architect Sir Norman Foster as a modern Parliament building while retaining its historical dimensions. Guided tours suitable for children are available on request. The glass dome has spectacular views of the parliamentary district and Berlin’s sights.Select says: The dome and the roof terrace are only open for registered visitors (minimum 2 days in advance).
Hamburger Bahnhof Museum
Subject range: Art
What you’ll experience: This former railway station building houses one of the world’s most successful exhibition spaces for contemporary art. Work is exhibited by major figures and movements in art since 1960 such as Andy Warhol, Joseph Beuys, Keith Haring as well as many others. Find out more about the Hamburger Bahnhof Museum.Select says: Despite the spaciousness of its premises, it is not actually possible for the museum to show all its work at once. The collection’s wealth of objects is displayed in rotating thematic exhibitions so even if you have been before it is worth a return visit.
Berlinische Gallerie
Subject range: Art
What you’ll experience: This is one of the newest museums in the German capital and collects art from Berlin dating from 1870 to the present day, both with a local and international focus. Its collections include Dada Berlin, the Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity), the Eastern European avant-garde and the art of the divided and reunified city of Berlin. Find out more about the Berlinische Gallery including upcoming exhibitions.Select says: On the way to the gallery, along and around Alte Jakobstrasse, there are a variety of outdoor sculptures and free-standing pieces to view.
Jewish Museum
Subject range: Art, History
What you’ll experience: Permanent exhibitions at the museum are dedicated to the history and life of German Jews. A variety of artefacts from both past and more recent history can be viewed, and students will get a sense of how Jews in Germany have reacted to their history through art. In addition the interior features a windowless Holocaust Tower. It is possible for school groups to take themed tours.Select says: Outside there is a Garden of Exile, designed to reflect the isolation and disorientation of life in exile. Find out lots more about the Jewish Museum here.
East Side Gallery
Subject range: Art
What you’ll experience: This is a public space and is a conserved graffiti project by 118 artists covering 0.8-mile of the Berlin Wall. Created in 1990 in celebration of the Wall’s collapse, the Gallery features works by an international group of artists who expressed their reactions to the November 9, 1989 event in paintings along a section of the Wall.Select says: Restoration works in 2009 renewed much of the Gallery for the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall.
TV Tower
Subject range: Art
What you’ll experience: The Fernsehturm is 368 metres high and the tallest structure in Germany. From the visitor platform you can look out over the entire city and see sites such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and the Olympic Stadium.Select says: When the sun shines on the Fernsehturm’s tiled stainless steel dome, the reflection usually appears in the form of a cross.
Bauhaus Archive Museum
Subject range: Art
What you’ll experience: The collection documents the history of Bauhaus in art, architecture and design and includes the works of artists such as Klee, Kandinsky and Schlemmer. The collection includes teaching materials, workshop models, architectural plans, photographs, documents and a library.
Select says: As well as the permanent exhibition there are usually four special exhibitions each year which you can find out about on the Bauhaus Museum website.
Neue Nationalgalerie
Subject range: Art & Design
What you’ll experience: Created during the Cold War in 1968 when Berlin was divided as the main art galleries were all on the east side, this gallery focuses on 20th Century art. It has undergone a recent refurbishment and the space allows for large scale pieces to be displayed.
Alte Nationalgalerie
Subject range: Art & Design
What you’ll experience: On Museum Island, close to the centre of East Berlin, this gallery houses one of the largest collections of 19th century sculptures and paintings in Germany. This is the original gallery, set up by the Kaiser in his back garden and now linked to 6 other museums.
Bodyworlds Museum Berlin
Subject range: Art & Design, STEM
What you’ll experience: Learn about the highly complex structures of the human body – a fascinating look under the skin. The world’s first human 3D fascia plastinate allows true insight into what makes us human.
Information: Be aware, this exhibition may not suit some children who might find certain elements disturbing.
Illuseum Berlin
Subject range: Art & Design, Cultural, STEM
What you’ll experience: Interactive, entertaining museum on optical illusions. Experience the vortex tunnel, a kaleidoscope and other mind mending tricks. Combine with a magic show or brain training session!
Street Art and Graffiti Tour
Subject range: Art & Design, Cultural
What you’ll experience: Let a guide take you through the Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg regions of Berlin, marvelling at the contemporary street art of this lively city. Tours last about 2 hours and take in the famous East Side Gallery Wall (Berlin Wall).
Art trip to Berlin by air: 4 days, 3 nights Accommodation
Meininger Hotel Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus
Location: Berlin City Centre
Capacity: 242
This superb and modern accommodation in Berlin Mitte is on the doorstep of the main sightseeing hotspots. Hackescher Markt, the Museum Island, and Brandenburger Tor can all be reached by foot within a few minutes.
Rooms: En-suite bathroom, Bed linen & towels, Heating, Toiletries & Lockers
Facilities: Free WiFi
Steps Hotel
Location: Berlin
Capacity:
In a convenient location in the district of Mitte in Berlin, situated in central yet quiet area. A 6 minute walk from Nauener Platz U-Bahn station, 3km from the Berlin Wall memorial and 5km from the Brandenburg Gate.
Rooms: Mixture of shared facilities and en-suite.
Facilities: Restaurant, free Wi-Fi, 24 hour reception, outdoor terrace area.
A&O Berlin Mitte
Location: Berlin
Capacity: 1600
Located centrally in the Mitte district of Berlin, a great base from which to discover the city!
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities: Buffet breakfast, lounge area, Internet access, games room.
A&O Friedrichshain
Location: Berlin
Capacity: 851
Situated in Friedrichshain on the edge of the city centre, and close to public transport links.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities: Buffet breakfast, lounge area, Internet access, games room.
Acama Kreuzberg Youth Hotel
Location: Berlin
Capacity: 599
Located in the popular Kreuzberg District, this youth hotel is 4km from both Alexanderplatz central square and the Berlin Zoological Garden.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities.
Facilities: Restaurant, communal areas, 24 hour reception, Wi-Fi.
aletto Hotel Kudamm
Location: Berlin
Capacity: 850
Located a 2 minute walk from Berlin Zoological Garden, and 4km from the Brandenburg Gate. This contemporary hotel has great facilities and is well recommended.
Rooms: All rooms have en-suite facilities and Wi-Fi.
Facilities: Restaurant, communal areas, rooftop terrace, 24 hour reception.
Hotel Transit Loft
Location: Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin
Capacity: 313
The Transit Loft is a modern hotel situated in a converted old factory building in the Prenzlauer Berg area of Berlin, just a few minutes away from Alexanderplatz, Hackescher Markt, the Museums Island and Kollwitzplatz. This hotel offers bright, friendly and functionally furnished accommodation for your school trip to Berlin.
Rooms: Multi-bedded with en-suite bathrooms.
Facilities: Buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi, 24 hour reception.
Meininger Tiergarten
Location: Turmstrasse
Capacity:
Well located in Berlin, MEININGER Hotel Berlin Tiergarten features a shared lounge, free WiFi and a bar. The property is 1.9 km from Berlin Central Station, 3 km from Natural History Museum and 3.1 km from Zoologischer Garten Underground Station. The property offers a shared kitchen and a round-the-clock reception for guests.
Rooms: At MEININGER Hotel Berlin Tiergarten, all rooms are equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels.
Facilities:
Meininger East Side Gallery
Location: Berlin
Capacity:
Situated in Berlin, 700 metres from East Side Gallery, MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery features accommodation with a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.4 km from Alexanderplatz Underground Station.
Rooms: All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery also feature a city view. At the accommodation the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.
Facilities:
Meininger Alexanderplatz
Location: Berlin
Capacity:
Situated in Berlin and with Alexanderplatz reachable within 1.5 km, MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. The property is around 2.5 km from Berlin Cathedral, 2.8 km from German Historical Museum and 2.8 km from Neues Museum. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar.
Rooms: At the hotel, rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels.
Facilities:
A&O Hauptbahnhof
Location: Berlin
Capacity:
A&O München Hauptbahnhof is situated in the centre of Munich, 1.1 km from Karlsplatz (Stachus). Popular points of interest nearby include Asamkirche, Marienplatz and Lenbachhaus.
Rooms: The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a TV. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer, rooms at a&o München Hauptbahnhof also boast free WiFi. At the accommodation rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.
Facilities: A buffet, continental or vegetarian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property.
Links to Learning
Learning areas:
KS3
Aims
- Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
- Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms
Subject content
- To use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks, journals and other media as a basis for exploring their ideas
- To analyse and evaluate the work of others, in order to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work
- About the history of art, craft, design and architecture, including periods, styles and major movements from ancient times up to the present day
KS4
Areas of study
- Drawing, painting, sculpture, architectural design, mixed media
Knowledge and understanding
The way sources inspire the development of ideas, relevant to fine art including –
- How sources relate to individual, social, historical, environmental and cultural contexts
- How ideas, themes, forms, feelings and concerns can inspire personally determined responses that are primarily aesthetic, intellectual or conceptual
The ways in which meanings, ideas and intentions relevant to fine art can be communicated including the use of –
- Figurative representation, abstraction, stylisation, simplification, expression, exaggeration and imaginative interpretation
- Visual and tactile elements, such as: colour, line, form, tone, texture, shape, composition, rhythm, scale, structure surface
Skills
- Use fine art techniques and processes, appropriate to students’ personal intentions, for example: charcoal, pastels, pen and ink, crayons, pencil, found materials, mixed-media, different papers and surfaces on which to work
Aims and learning outcomes
- Actively engage in the creative process of art, craft and design
- Develop creative, imaginative and intuitive capabilities
- Become confident in taking risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, materials and techniques
- Develop critical understanding through investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills
- Develop knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures
- Develop an awareness of the purposes, intentions and functions of art, craft and design in a variety of contexts
Select Extras:
Have you thought of selecting a DVD for students to watch pre-tour/post-tour? How about Art of Germany – Andrew Graham-Dixon.
