Berlin's Schwules Museum Targeted by Gunfire Attack, Damaging Artwork and Building

On 24 February, employees at Berlin's Schwules Museum discovered gunfire damage to the institution's building, including two window panes, the illuminated museum sign, and an artwork displayed at the entrance. The attack occurred overnight, with Berlin police investigating the scene and assessing the full extent of damage. This marks the latest in a series of incidents targeting the museum, which was founded in 1984 and has grown into one of the world's largest LGBTQ institutions. In 2020, rocks severely damaged a window, while in 2016, the reception area window was shot six times. Museum board member Ben Miller told Dazed Magazine that while the perpetrators and motives remain unknown, the incident should be viewed in the context of global right-wing, anti-queer mobilization. Beyond physical attacks, the museum has faced Neo-Nazi demonstrations and regular threats via phone and social media. The damaged artwork is part of Elizabeth Sweeney's 'the Unrelenting' (2022), created for the ongoing exhibition 'Queering the Crip, Cripping the Queer,' on view through 29 May. This black triangular piece references Nazi badges used to stigmatize diverse groups. The museum's mission focuses on supporting the queer community and researching queer history, art, and activism.