I’m a big fan of art. And over the years, I’ve fallen in love with graffiti and street art. So when I heard there was a museum in Berlin dedicated to graffiti art, I had to check it out.

Urban Nation Berlin Location

Urban Nation is located at Bülowstraße 7, 10783 Berlin, Germany. It’s basically across the street from the U Bahn station of Nollendorfplatz. In the heart of the gay hood, Schoneberg.

What is Urban Nation?

This incredible museum is a contemporary museum that houses graffiti art and street art from renowned street artists that make Berlin the artsy capital of the world.

It houses several smaller graffiti names along with global artists.

The museum itself has many rooms and multiple levels to enjoy.

Is Urban Nation Free?

One of the best things about Urban Nation is that entry is free. And since it’s free, there’s no excuse not to check it out.

Although, if you’re interested in supporting the museum itself, there is a donation center where you can donate as much money as you want. It’s totally optional, though.

My Personal Experience

A wise scientist once said the mere fact of observing something changes that which is being observed. This quote sums up how I felt about the museum.

Although the museum is spectacular, I personally felt that I enjoy graffiti art in the wild. I like my graffiti amongst the urban chaos and unknown avenues. But that’s just my opinion. You may love it!

In any case, let’s continue with my experience the day I check out the museum.

Entering the Museum and Hours of Operation

When the museum is open, the door is open wide, allowing guests to enter. You’ll see a wide reception desk in front of you, but there’s no reason to check in. Just walk on in and start exploring.

In case you’re wondering, the museum hours are:

Museum Opening Hours:

Mon: – Closed

Tue: 10:00 – 18:00

Wed: 10:00 – 18:00

Thu: 12:00 – 20:00

Fri: 12:00 – 20:00

Sat: 12:00 – 20:00

Sun: 12:00 – 20:00

Several large-scale installations exist throughout the premises, but I encourage everyone to explore, observe, and take in the art.

Their website mentions, “Snapshots are welcome: however, photos and films are only allowed for private purposes.” However, I was told I could not take pictures while I was there, even though everyone else was also taking pictures. Maybe I had an official look to me. I don’t know.

I just wanted a good pic for the ‘Gram :(.

Regardless, come here and take pictures.

The Bathrooms are Spectacular

I walked into the unmarked restrooms because the door was covered in tags, stickers, and graffiti. It doesn’t have any kind of signage, so honestly, I had no idea it was a restroom. I thought it was another room full of art.

I took so many pictures. But I loved it, really.

I found the sink in the middle of the room, odd thought.

Then someone came out of one of the doors to wash his hands. It began to dawn on me that I was inside a restroom.

There were two more doors in here, so I thought maybe I should explore more. I opened one door and immediately realized there were toilet stalls in there, and that’s when I realized I probably should stop taking pictures.

I was a little embarrassed, but luckily, everyone else was also taking pictures and selfies.

Still, everyone needs to check out the restrooms. They’re a work of art!

The Art is Bold and Provocative

Graffiti art, when it’s on the street, is controversial mainly because people are appalled that people are defacing public and sometimes private property. But just because it’s inside a museum, it doesn’t mean the message is gone.

During my visit, I saw colorful triptychs of Trump fusing with Kim Jong-un. This powerful statement will surely make you think and make others mad!

I don’t know about you, but I LIVE for that stuff!

I believe art is a powerful art form, and artists should (if they want) use it to say whatever they want. Even if that message is “pink is pretty!” But when said in a graffiti art form, I love it even more.

Some pieces were sculptures made of trash that symbolized the amount of garbage we leave on earth.

There was also a giant graffiti piece that reads, “CREATIVITY IS AN ACT OF DEFIANCE” That resonated with me a lot. I was reprimanded as a child and, in some cases, embarrassed in front of the classroom because I liked to draw. 

America doesn’t see art with any kind of value, and therefore, I was rebellious for liking it. At least, that was my experience growing up. And graffiti artists represent a status of rebellion that I admire.

Let’s break it down:

Urban Nation in Berlin is free to enter.

They’re located at Bülowstraße 7, 10783 Berlin, Germany. 

Museum Opening Hours:

Mon: – Closed

Tue: 10:00 – 18:00

Wed: 10:00 – 18:00

Thu: 12:00 – 20:00

Fri: 12:00 – 20:00

Sat: 12:00 – 20:00

Sun: 12:00 – 20:00

Do I recommend it? I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I love that it was graffiti art, but to be honest, I think I’m just burned out on museums. I’ve been to so many now that sometimes I feel a little jaded when it comes to them.

In any case, if you’re into urban art, come see it for yourself and let me know what you think about it in the comments.

Their website, just in case: https://urban-nation.com.

They also have this cool map of where you can find awesome graffiti art in the city. Perhaps you can even do a self-guided street art tour. I’ll leave that link here: https://urban-nation.com/art-map.