Over 800 years of history lie within the walls of the historic Nikolaikirche in the heart of Berlin, nestled between City Hall, City Palace and Fischerinsel. A tour of the church reveals its complex past, including its connections to colonial history — the ceremonial tomb of an 18th-century colonial figure is housed within its walls. Since December 2024, the decentralized exhibition “Decolonial – What Remains?” has shed light on the city’s colonial past, critically reexamining its legacy through new, resistant perspectives. To mark Black History Month, the Museum Nikolaikirche is hosting performances and guided tours of the exhibitions Koloniale Gespenster – Widerständige Geister. Kirche, Kolonialismus und darüber hinaus. and Eingeschrieben. Kolonialismus, Museum und Widerstand. Additionally, there are weekly organ concerts, including this Friday (14.02.), curated by organist Jack Day, featuring 30-minute performances of classical organ pieces by Black composers from the 18th century. On Friday evening (14.02.), the Aktionshaus, in collaboration with Tegel Media, an online publisher dedicated to accessible and inclusive literary content, presents the Tegel Valentine Aktionshaus. To celebrate the occasion, they have carefully selected literary gems from their digital archives. Romantic tales of chivalry and uplifting arthouse narratives will be read passionately aloud. The evening continues with a blissful electronic concert by Dove, followed by an eclectic DJ lineup featuring Yosa Peit and others. For those looking to explore new creative spaces, Redefining Spaces — a new spatial design concept by Johanna Gauder and Studio Christoph Hauf— opens on Saturday in Neukölln.
This immersive installation seamlessly integrates interior design, lighting and furniture with Gauder’s sustainable silver jewelry collection. Meanwhile, at Galerie Wedding, poet, author and moderator Jenaba Samura — who frequently navigates the intersection of theater and politics — is researching visions of a Black Europe in her project Black Narratives of Transcultural Appropriation. Following her reading, the gallery invites visitors to engage in discussions and a book swap. Sunday afternoon in Prenzlauer Berg promises vibrant energy for daytime party enthusiasts. At Kink on Schönhauser Allee, collectives Femdelic, Magic Jams and others come together for a dynamic event under the motto “Electric, Danceable, Authentic”. A perfect opportunity for those who prefer daytime festivities, Island Universe offers immersive storytelling, music and dance — whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or the joy of community. In celebration of his 10th anniversary as a Berlin-based product designer and goldsmith, Christoph Hauf presents a striking installation that merges design, craftsmanship and art in an open space. His latest collection of finely crafted jewelry, inspired by geometric forms, is set against the backdrop of raw aluminum furniture and surfaces, creating a powerful contrast. Finally, as part of Black History Month 2025, Galerie Wedding hosts an evening poetry reading by Jenaba Samura on 15.02., inviting reflection and celebration of Black voices in contemporary literature.
Text: Emma Zylla / Photos: Johanna Gauder, Michael Setzpfandt & Oana Popa-Costea / Prints: Liorzh Gabriel Picard; Galerie Wedding; Aktionshaus; Jakob Nolte
Museum Nikolaikirche, Propststr.1, 10178 Berlin–Mitte; map
Dekoloniale – was bleibt?! Nikolai-Musik, every Friday in February 17–17h30
Aktionshaus, Gottlieb–Dunkel–Str.3, 12099 Berlin–Tempelhof; map
Tegel Valentine Aktionshaus 14.02.2025 19h
Johanna Gauder, Schillerpromenade 14, 12049 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Studio Opening Johanna Gauder 15.02.2025 Opening 11–18h, Get-Together 18–22h
Galerie Wedding, Müllerstr.146, Haus 147, 13353 Berlin–Wedding; map
Poetry–Lesung 15.02.2025 16h
Kink, Schönhauser Allee 176, 10119 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Island Universe 16.02.2025 15–22h
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