House of World Cultures

Tiergarten park houses one of the most interesting and curious buildings around Berlin. It's called Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of World Culture or "pregnant oyster"). This building was built in the 50s and became the symbol of the freedom and modernity of West Berlin during the Cold War. The contrast with the monumental buildings on Karl-Marx-Allee Avenue, on the East Side, is brutal. Yet the project, despite its modernity and aesthetics, collapsed almost completely in the 80s. After its reconstruction, it has become a magnificent exhibition and convention space. Admission is somewhat expensive but it is worth taking a wander through the gardenss.