Carsten Nicolai's Berlin Guide: From Hansa Studios to Einstein Tower
Carsten Nicolai, an artist who has called Berlin home for over 20 years, reveals his top city favorites. He has maintained his studio in Berlin-Mitte for more than two decades and has resided in Charlottenburg for the past eight years. Nicolai recommends the About Bookshop on Linienstraße, known for its thematic changes every four months. For a getaway, he points to Telegrafenberg in Potsdam, featuring the Einstein Tower and historical observatories. In Berlin, he emphasizes St. Marienkirche at Alexanderplatz for its medieval frescoes and the iconic Hansa Studios, a recording haven for many renowned artists. He also appreciates the Tieranatomisches Theater, established in 1789. For dining, his top picks are Sale e Tabacchi and Papaya. This article appeared in Monopol's Berlin Art Week 2026 edition.
Key facts
- Carsten Nicolai has maintained his studio in Berlin-Mitte for over 20 years.
- He has lived in Charlottenburg for eight years, commuting between east and west Berlin.
- About Bookshop on Linienstraße changes its theme every four months.
- Telegrafenberg in Potsdam features the Einstein Tower by Erich Mendelsohn.
- St. Marienkirche has a medieval Dance of Death fresco.
- Hansa Studios hosted Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Nick Cave, Iggy Pop, Bryan Ferry, and Paul Simon.
- Tieranatomisches Theater was built in 1789 by Carl Gotthard Langhans.
- Nicolai recommends Sale e Tabacchi and Papaya for dining.
- Article appeared in Monopol's special issue for Berlin Art Week 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Carsten Nicolai
- Erich Mendelsohn
- Carl Gotthard Langhans
- Depeche Mode
- David Bowie
- Nick Cave
- Iggy Pop
- Bryan Ferry
- Paul Simon
Institutions
- About Bookshop
- Comme des Garçons
- Astrophysical Institute
- Hansa Studios
- Humboldt University
- Charité
- Tieranatomisches Theater
- Sale e Tabacchi
- Papaya
- Monopol
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Berlin-Mitte
- Charlottenburg
- Linienstraße
- Potsdam
- Telegrafenberg
- Alexanderplatz
- St. Marienkirche
- Rudi-Dutschke-Straße
- Kantstraße
- Köthener Straße
- Philippstraße
- Karl-Liebknecht-Straße