Programme 2026
Sex Work
A Cultural History
2 April to 25 October 2026
The history of sex work can be traced from well before ancient times to the present day. The prevailing image of humanity, the values that held sway, and who wielded power can all be seen in how society dealt with sex work. In some periods, sex work represented one of the few ways for women to generate an independent income. For a long time, hetaerae, prostitutes, courtesans, and nude dancers primarily played a motif role in the visual arts, at best perceived as muses. The fact that they also play a creative, artistic role is a perspective that is highlighted here. Together with a collective of researching sex workers, the Bundeskunsthalle presents art, cultural history, and archival material, guided by a central principle: Nothing about us without us!
Sex Work: A Cultural History is a further development of the exhibition With Legs Wide Open – A whore's ride through history, Schwules Museum Berlin, 2024
Interactions 2026
1 May to 1 November 2026
Interactions 2026 will once again feature selected artworks and performances that invite visitors to engage in interactive play in the outdoor space of the Bundeskunsthalle. All works and projects contain their own narrative or vision, which visitors can explore alongside the interaction. They demonstrate that openness serves both individual and collective experience and promotes togetherness, tolerance, and sensitivity.
NEVER AGAIN!
Against Forgetting the Crimes of the Nazi Regime
10 October 2026 to 2 May 2027
In the coming years, there will be few remaining Holocaust survivors or other victims of the Nazi regime able to recount their experiences. How do we preserve evidence from the crime scenes and authentic testimonies in the digital age? This exhibition addresses key questions regarding commemorative work and the culture of remembrance, aiming to support the efforts of memorial sites that continue to serve as places of mourning, education, and engagement.
The exhibition highlights the evolving methods of commemorative work, focusing on the diverse possibilities offered by art. Numerous artists have dedicated themselves to honoring the victims and tracing historical narratives. Additionally, media-based works and historical testimonies demonstrate how we can combat oblivion. Commemorative work is essential for safeguarding our freedom and democracy.
The exhibition is held under the patronage of Eva Umlauf, President of the International Auschwitz Committee, and State Minister Wolfram Weimer, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
An exhibition of the Bundeskunsthalle in cooperation with the Stiftung Gedenkstätten Buchenwald und Mittelbau-Dora
With kind support
Vanguardistas
100 Years of Latin American Women Artists
4 December 2026 to 29 March 2027
The Bundeskunsthalle heads into the final stretch of the year with a major survey exhibition that, for the first time in Europe, brings together key works by more than 70 female artists from across Latin America – from Argentina to Mexico. Vanguardistas: 100 Years of Latin American Women Artists spans a vast arc covering more than a century, uniting renowned artists with those who have faded into obscurity over the decades. On display are significant works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Frida Kahlo, Tarsila do Amaral, Leonora Carrington, Carmen Herrera, Lygia Clark, Ana Mendieta, Cecilia Vicuña, Marta Minujín, and Doris Salcedo.
The exhibition opens up new perspectives on the art history of Latin America, exploring distinct artistic languages – including their significance for cultural identities and processes of (female) self-empowerment. It highlights the pivotal role played by women artists in driving cultural change, social participation, and democratic developments.
An exhibition by the Bundeskunsthalle, Kunstmuseum Basel, EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art and BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels.
Curator: Heike van den Valentyn. General Coordinator: Cristina Sommer.
Past Exhibitions
Exhibition Archive (1992 – Today)
You like to look back and are interested in the Bundeskunsthalle’s past exhibitions? In our archive you will find a list sorted by year. We hope you enjoy browsing!