THE SAFE ZONE THAT WASN’T: REMEMBERING SREBRENICA

There are dates that have been seared into Europe’s collective memory. 11.07.1995 is one of them. On that day, the Bosnian town of Srebrenica became the site of a genocide. Around 8,000 Muslim men and boys were systematically killed that night and in the days that followed by Bosnian Serb troops under the command of Ratko Mladić. It remains the gravest war crime Europe has witnessed since the end of the Second World War, committed in full view of the international community, which had promised protection but failed to provide it. Srebrenica had, after all, been declared a safe area by the United Nations. On the 31st anniversary of the genocide, photographer Armin Smailovic, who regularly works for ZEITmagazin, and director Branko Šimić bring this story to the stage of the Documentation Centre for Displacement, Expulsion, Reconciliation as a staged reading with music (11.07.2026).

Their project is based on more than 15 years of research. The source material consists of conversations with one of the few survivors and with a Dutch UN soldier, whose statements later became central to the tribunal in The Hague. These interviews first became a play for the Thalia Theater in Hamburg, then a radio play for Deutschlandfunk, and now this reading, which structures three perspectives side by side: those of the victims, perpetrators, and bystanders. Jens Harzer, an actor at the Berliner Ensemble, and Vernesa Berbo, known from the Gorki Theater, read the texts. And Amira Berbo accompanies them musically. What emerges is a dense tapestry of sound with speech, documentary material, and photography. Rather than explaining, it seeks to remember what a genocide can mean.

Text: Laura Storfner / Photos: Sandra Kühnapfel, Armin Smailovic

Dokumentationszentrum Flucht, Vertreibung, Versöhnung, Stresemannstr.90, 10963 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map

Srebrenica will be presented as a musical and theatrical reading on 11.07.2026. Following the performance, artists will speak with Dr. Kathrin Jurkat about their work with the material.

@flucht_vertreibung_versoehnung

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Events

COME CLOSER! CC’S CALENDAR TIPS BETWEEN SKATE SLUTS, DANCE CHURCH & NEIGHBORHOOD DINNERS

Come closer! Towards open choreographies, neighborhood contact, and skating raves. Here are CC’s Calendar tips for a curious July. Sometimes installation art and neuroscience are surprisingly similar. At the Radio3 Atelier Talk at Roman Lipski, presenter Siham El-Maimouni brings art, science, and audience into conversation — from AI to quantum physics to climate research. On Friday (03.07.), neuroscientist Dr. Torben Ott and artists Alicja Kwade and Fiete Stolte will join the discussion about how we perceive time, evaluate it, and learn to think about it differently. The talk is followed by an exhibition that continues the theme in artistic form. On to a much-discussed, constantly shifting district: Neukölln. Over two days (03–05.07.), the open and free art festival 48 Stunden Neukölln turns the neighborhood into an exhibition, stage, and walking route. Installation In and Out by Vivian Christlein brings textiles into nature. Layers of wire mesh, bouclé yarn, and transparent and dense fabrics form a material boundary between inside and outside. The performance In Verbindung by Spirited presents a choir that slowly forms within the crowd, opens up, and dissolves again. Everyone can be part of the process. Gather close in MaHalla in Schöneweide, where the Sanctum of Sound Festival (03–05.07.) takes place. Expect a 51-hour program without a fixed structure, moving between ambient, experimental electronics, and listening spaces designed for shared attention. The line-up includes Bohren & Der Club Of Gore, Ishq, and Vera. Connection sometimes begins on a Saturday morning — we know that best. Between music, good people, and plenty of space to dance, Croissant Session No. 07 (04.07.) takes place at Café Westberlin, bringing together Cee Cee, Hinge, and That Gay Creation communities. Together with Hinge, the new LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. report is celebrated, looking at what pace and trust might mean for dating in 2026. There will be sets by Bruna, croissants for early birds, and plenty of time for conversation.

With space for movement and connection, we head to HAU. On Saturday (04.07.), Dance Church invites all who want to dance and move together for 60 minutes. The format is conceived as a space for movement across backgrounds, bodies, and identities. The session will be led by dance artist Lavinia Vago. Entry is free, and no special dance skills are required. Connection doesn’t happen through words, but on wheels at Skatehalle Berlin, Damur Fashion brings fashion week to a new terrain with Skate Sluts (04.07.). From the outdoor skate yard to the indoor bowl, you’re invited to roll, rave, and spend 10 hours alongside fellow skaters. And speaking of being together, that’s exactly what matters most at Coca Eat‘s Kiez Dinners. At Flussbad on Saturday (04.07.), a long table will be set for up to twenty-five people to come together. Most of them won’t know each other beforehand, but will spend an evening in shared company — simple as that. More editions will follow. Things continue in a familiar spirit on Sunday at Friends Space in Kreuzberg. Another Pop-up brings Berlin labels, founders, and creatives together, following the idea that today’s most exciting brands are discovered less through traditional retail channels and more through shared spaces, trust, and encounters. The program includes a panel talk and an afternoon of showroom, photography, smoothies, and chilled natural wine. Participating labels include Miglė, Luce, and Studio Ēna. Less urban, but no less celebratory, head to Zehlendorf on Sunday (05.07.) as Haus am Waldseemarks its 80th anniversary. Their Sommerfest with water access features performances, concerts, and small workshops for families. And of course, there will be ice cream. On Monday (06.07.), the Temporary Bauhaus Archive turns to an unexpected pairing: architecture and bacteria. In a double book launch, We the Bacteria and Sick Architecture are presented — two publications exploring the links between microbial systems, built environments, and medical and architectural practices. Beatriz Colomina, Mark Wigley, Nick Axel, and Nikolaus Hirsch discuss these intersections before the evening turns into a get-together. Next week, flea market meets girlhood at Thriftpark. The curated market takes place in several German cities as well as Amsterdam. On Saturday (11.07.), the Berlin edition brings its own mix to 3000m² at Komplex Berlin: vintage fashion, objects, ceramics, DIY stations, grip socks, and small customizing workshops. Come by and get closer.

Text: Emma Zylla / Photos: Ashley Smith, Fabian Brennecke, Luce, Franzi Stegemann, Harry Schnitger, Me Chuthai, Sanctum of Sound

Atelier Roman Lipski, Wiener Str.10, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Was ist Zeit? 03.07.2026 19–20h

@atelierromanlipski
@alicjakwade
@fietestolte

48 Stunden Neukölln
03.–05.07.2026. Find the full program here.

@48stundennk

MaHalla, Wilhelminenhofstr.76, 12459 Berlin–Schöneweide; map
Sanctum of Sound 03.–05.07.2026

@_sanctumofsound
@mahallaberlin

Westberlin, Alexandrinenstr.118–121, 10969 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Croissant Session No.07 04.07.2026

@hinge
@thatgaycreation
@westberlin_de
@_brunamusic

Hau, Hallesches Ufer 34, 10963 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Dance Church 04.07.2026 18h

@dance_church
@hauberlin
@laviniavago

Flussbad, Erkelenzdamm 59–61, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Kiez Dinner 04.07.2026 18–22h. Register here. Find upcoming dinners here.

@coca_eat
@flussbadberlin

Skatehallle Berlin, Revaler Str.99, 10245 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
Skate Sluts 04.07.2026 12–22h

@damur.fashion
@skatehalle.berlin

Friends Space, Glogauer Str.2, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Another Pop-up 05.07.2026 12–17h. Register here.

@another.popup
@friendsspaces

Haus am Waldsee, Argentinische Allee 30, 14163 Berlin–Zehlendorf; map
Sommerfest 05.07.2026 13–20h

@hausamwaldsee

The Temporary Bauhaus Archiv, Klingelhöferstr.14, 10785 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
Book Launch 06.07.2026 19–22h

@bauhaus_archiv
@wig56
@alucidwake

Komplex Berlin, Modersohnstr.35–45, 10245 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
Thriftpark 11.07.2026 11–18h

@thriftparkfestival

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Cafes, Restaurants

FUSION CUISINE, DRINKS & ITALO DISCO AT BUSSI & AMORE IN POTSDAM

Potsdam? Many associate the city with palaces and historic façades, but it’s worth looking beyond the well-known architecture. In the Dutch Quarter, among rows of red brick houses, small independent shops and cafés, you can discover a different side of the city. Right here, on Benkertstraße, Bussi & Amore fits seamlessly into the streetscape. And much like Potsdam itself, the place combines the familiar with the new. From morning to evening, the Austrian-inspired Bussi & Amore serves dishes ranging from brunch to dinner, accompanied by aperitifs and wine. Founded in 2024 by Julia Gockeln and Andreas Hauke as a second venue alongside Österelli, both projects center on two things above all: good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Inside as well as outside, it’s easy to find your place. Indoors, black-marble tables meet colorful paintings, a green-tiled bar counter and playful details like a disco ball give the space a light, slightly whimsical character. Outside, sit right in the middle of the Dutch Quarter, surrounded by small shops and cafés, with the distinctive brick façades forming the backdrop. A holiday feeling emerges as tourists and locals wander through the streets.

What makes Bussi & Amore particularly interesting is how it changes throughout the day. The blend of historic surroundings and contemporary atmosphere is reflected in the menu. Those starting their day in Potsdam in the morning will find both savory and sweet options. On offer are classics such as eggs Benedict with avocado or an açaí bowl with fruit and peanut butter. My personal pick for warm days is a relaxed brunch with cold mimosas. At lunchtime, dishes include a fried chicken sandwich on brioche with coleslaw and fries, lifted by sriracha and pesto that take it in a slightly different direction. Familiar flavors are combined with unexpected ones. Things become a little more experimental with burrata served with rhubarb, tomato sorbet, and herb oil (especially well suited to hot days). The dumplings with crackling and cabbage, or the avocado and burrata toast with crispy chili, also play with this mix of the familiar and the new. My favorite is the caramelised Kaiserschmarrn with apple compote, almonds, and raisins, where the Austrian influence of the place comes through most clearly. Beyond its food offerings, Bussi & Amore is a social space. For those who like to eat well and dance, events like “Urlaub im Glas” are exactly the thing: evenings with aperitifs, wine, and a live DJ playing Italo disco. What becomes clear is that, depending on when you visit, Bussi & Amore reveals a different side of itself. And perhaps it’s exactly the kind of place that turns a short trip to Potsdam into a longer one.

Text & Photos: Isabelle Marten

Bussi & Amore, Benkertstr.19, 14467 Potsdam; map

@Bussi_und_amore

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Events, Sponsored Post

MOVE INTO A SUMMERY WEEKEND AND JOIN THE CROISSANT SESSION X HINGE X THAT GAY CREATION AT WESTBERLIN

The best summer memory? Chances are, it’ll be made next Saturday. That’s when we’re taking over the terrace at Westberlin again. And if you were at last year’s Croissant Session, you already know: the space has a habit of turning itself into a dance floor. We learned that in 2025, somewhere between the first iced coffee and the last track of the morning. This year looks promising too: The Croissant Session x Hinge x That Gay Creation is coming up next Saturday (04.07.2026) – the forecast says sunshine. DJ Bruna is booked. The Westberlin team will be doing what they do best: serving excellent drinks, delicious snacks and creating the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget about your plans for the rest of the day. Bring friends, family, a date – or simply yourself. Yes, we’ve teamed up with Hinge and That Gay Creation this time around to celebrate the launch of Hinge’s new LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. Report. This edition is all about dating in 2026 – why LGBTQIA+ daters are replacing mixed signals with clarity, slowing down, and letting consistency do the talking. And because weekends tend to be better when they start with a few new connections and the possibility of meeting someone unexpected… After an iced coffee, a croissant and a few songs in the sun, there’s still plenty of Saturday left to get to the pool. Don’t forget to RSVP here!

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Elija Ofosu, Mina Aichhorn

Westberlin, Alexandrinenstr.118, 10969 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Croissant Sessions x Hinge x That Gay Creation 04.07.2026 11–15h. RSVP here.

@ceeceeberlin
@hinge
@thatgaycreation
@westberlin_de

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Activities

HOLIDAY FEELING, JUST NEXT DOOR: A SUMMER DAY AT HEILIGER SEE IN POTSDAM

On hot summer days in Berlin, there are two options: stay in the overheated city or spend what feels like half the day squeezed into crowded regional trains in search of a suitable lake. My tip: take a day trip to Potsdam. Because there, you’ll find some solid ways to escape the heat. Simple, but effective is Heiliger See. With its expansive sunbathing lawns and a backdrop of palaces and historic villas, it combines relaxation with a remarkably scenic view, right in the middle of the city. Covering around 34 hectares, the lake is part of the Neuer Garten and is one of Potsdam’s best-known inner-city bodies of water. (Important to note: this refers to the Heiliger See in Potsdam, not to be confused with the lake of the same name in Berlin.) The easiest way to reach it is by bike or by taking tram 93 to Glienicker Brücke. Even the journey there, lined with grand old buildings, feels like a slow exhale. If you have a bit more time, walk from the southern entrance of the Neuer Garten via the Gothic Library down to the water, where you’ll be rewarded with especially beautiful views of the park and lake along the way. Once you cross the Schwanenbrücke, voices and music drift in from the shore, willows hang low over the water, small boats glide past, and it becomes immediately clear why locals are so fond of this place. At nearly thirteen meters deep, the Heiliger See feels surprisingly vast. It’s mainly fed by groundwater, which is one reason the water is often particularly clear. Swimming is only permitted at the single designated bathing spot on the northern shore, but there’s no need to worry about space.

Despite its central location, the lake is known for relatively good water quality. As with all lakes in Brandenburg, it’s still worth checking current updates on water conditions or potential algae blooms before diving in. While floating in the water, your gaze falls on the Marmorpalais, standing directly at the shoreline, combining exposed brick with marble elements in its façade. If you’re still hungry after swimming, find options nearby in the Neuer Garten: Café Cecilie in the courtyard of Schloss Cecilienhof, or the beer garden at the Meierei offer a good place to pause. A day at the lake and a cold beer in the evening, there are few combinations better.

Text: Isabelle Marten / Photos: Mohit Amlani

Heiliger See, 14467 Potsdam; map

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Language

THE SAFE ZONE THAT WASN’T: REMEMBERING SREBRENICA

COME CLOSER! CC’S CALENDAR TIPS BETWEEN SKATE SLUTS, DANCE CHURCH & NEIGHBORHOOD DINNERS

FUSION CUISINE, DRINKS & ITALO DISCO AT BUSSI & AMORE IN POTSDAM

MOVE INTO A SUMMERY WEEKEND AND JOIN THE CROISSANT SESSION X HINGE X THAT GAY CREATION AT WESTBERLIN

HOLIDAY FEELING, JUST NEXT DOOR: A SUMMER DAY AT HEILIGER SEE IN POTSDAM