You definitely won’t read about it here first. Since last Friday (07.08.2026), there’s been a giant swimming pool on Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. The Volksbad is here! Until October 2026, the 25-meter-long pool will occupy the street in front of the steps of the Volksbühne. The stunt (there’s really no other way to describe it) comes from the mind of Matthias Lilienthal. Two years after the sudden death of René Pollesch, Lilienthal is taking over as artistic director of the theater. Above the portico, the word “Volksbad” appears in an uncompromising serif font. Below it is the elevated pool, with swimmers looking out towards Alexanderplatz. At 1.30 meters deep, you’ll have to keep your dives shallow, but can still swim laps. There are showers for everyone in containers along the edge, and the pavilion by the outdoor pool entrance has reopened as a chip shop. Lilienthal is creating something in response to an urgent demand. Per capita, Berlin has the fewest swimming pools in Germany, and the ones it does have are usually packed. During the recent heatwaves, we found ourselves melting outside Prinzenbad, with the desperation to get in greater than we’ve ever experienced in the line for Berghain. Some districts, such as Marzahn-Hellersdorf, don’t even have an outdoor pool. Funding for renovations has been repeatedly cut or scrapped in recent years. Meanwhile, Berlin’s outdoor pools have repeatedly become political flashpoints. ID checks leave a bitter aftertaste, excessively long queues put people in a bad mood, and both create fertile ground for all kinds of trouble. There’s unrest here now, too, as people debate the Volksbad. Was the investment too large? How on earth am I supposed to get a ticket? And why can’t I get in this Friday? Well, to answer the last question, that’s because on 14.08.2026, there will be a closed event for BIPoC, and a lot of white people are discovering how uncomfortable it feels when others get priority. Just one of the many good things on the program.
There’s always something going on in between, too. Including events you can attend without requiring a highly coveted ticket, simply sit on the lawn next to the pool. Dates are added to the website as they are announced and shared on Instagram. On 20.08.2026, the Volksbad will remain closed as a gesture of solidarity, as the monthly Spree swim organized by the Flussbad Verein will happen at Museum Island that day. The Volksbad is (at the very least) a great PR stunt, certainly a great sculpture, and without a doubt a great experience. If the ticket stress is too much, simply sit on a Monobloc chair in front of the pavilion and enjoy the refreshing soundscape. And what says summer holidays more than the sounds of an outdoor pool accompanying chips with curry sauce? I’m a firm believer in an unpretentious understanding of art and the value of everyday delights, and right now, you’ll find both on Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. Accessible to everyone (just wait until BIPoC Friday is over, for heaven’s sake. And maybe check in with yourselves about your white privilege.), and a great way to bridge the gap until the new theater season starts in October. See you by the pool.
Text: Inga Krumme / Photos: Inga Krumme, Loretta Fahrenholz, Abdulmonim Twebti, Friederike Kötter, Anna Yeboah, Bahar Kaygusuz
Volksbad, Linienstr.227, 10178 Berlin–Mitte; map
@volksbuehne_berlin
