Humboldt Forum, Europe's largest cultural center, opens December 17 in Berlin

The Humboldt Forum, Europe's largest cultural center, will officially open on December 17, 2020, in Berlin's reconstructed Berliner Schloss. The project, under construction since 2013, was initially slated for late 2019. Designed by Italian architect Franco Stella, the Forum is named after brothers Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt, emphasizing multidisciplinary research. Four partner institutions collaborate with the Stiftung Humboldt Forum: Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz (responsible for Berlin State Museums including Pergamon, Alte Nationalgalerie, Neues Museum), Kulturprojekte Berlin, Stadtmuseum Berlin, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. The 2021 program includes children's exhibition 'Have a Seat! An exhibition for children' (January–October 2021), interactive exhibition 'After Nature' on environmental change and social upheaval, and 'Berlin Global' exploring the city's global connections. The Ethnological Museum and Museum for Asian Art will open in summer 2021. Hartmut Dorgerloh, General Director, stated the inaugural year focuses on socio-political themes including colonialism. The Schlüter Courtyard and central space are accessible before the opening. The Forum also features cafes, shops, restaurants, and a new public path linking to Museum Island.