For years, Elena Höller and Nicola Schüschke had their eyes on a small architectural gem: the kiosk on Steinplatz. Empty since the pandemic and recently released for temporary use, the two seized the opportunity. With a concept rooted in art education, a revival of kiosk culture, and a little luck, not to mention the help of friends, fellow students, and the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district office, they were able to open the Palast Kiosk in April 2025. The kiosk is one of the few remaining designed by Alfred Grenander (1863–1931), an architect who once shaped the streetscape of Charlottenburg. Another of his designs still stands on Savignyplatz, now home to a sausage stand. Grenander’s designs are unique, proportioned, functional, and distinctly colored – in the case of Steinplatz, a mint green that has become iconic.
While many of these kiosks have been demolished or altered, this one has remained mostly intact. After a year of approvals and renovations, the Palast Kiosk now shines once again, refreshed but faithful to its original character. But this isn’t your average kiosk. Alongside the classics – sweets, sparkling, and still refreshments – the Palast Kiosk offers a curated mix of postcards, journals, fanzines, artist books, and limited-edition prints. Nestled under the kiosk’s roof is the “in-house” Palast Galerie, presenting a new artist each month. The debut artist is illustrator Greta Cazzola, known for her work with Le Monde Diplomatique. Beyond the shelves, the space becomes a stage. Readings, concerts, cooking sessions, drawing, and ceramics workshops invite passers-by to stop and stay a while. A quiet monument becomes a lively art venue. And just like that, summer at the kiosk begins.
Text: Milena Kalojanov / Photos: Ruby Watt
Palast Kiosk, Steinplatz 5, 10623 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
@palastkiosk
