BERLIN. A museum visit can be enriching and inspiring, but for many people, it also means stress: echoing foyers, the babble of voices from countless tour groups, flickering video projections, and blaring sound installations often lead to sensory overload. To make art accessible to all, the Berlinische Galerie is taking an important step toward inclusion by introducing the new, low-barrier format of „Quiet Hours“ (Stille Stunden).

The program kicks off alongside the current exhibition „Lovis Corinth. Dann kam Berlin!“ and will take place every second Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. During this time window, the museum transforms into a place of tranquility and reduced sensory input.

The Measures: Subdued Acoustics and Visual Calm

To create a low-stimulus atmosphere, the Berlinische Galerie is implementing a comprehensive package of measures during the „Quiet Hours“ that extends from the foyer to the furthest exhibition rooms. No guided tours or workshops will take place anywhere in the building to avoid large, loud crowds.

The artworks themselves are also adapted to the format: works that incorporate sound will have their volume significantly reduced or be completely deactivated. Projections with fast-paced, potentially overwhelming image sequences are entirely omitted during this period. Rooms where intense sensory impressions or a higher background noise cannot be avoided curatorially will be clearly marked in advance, allowing visitors to decide for themselves whether they wish to enter. Those who need a break from the stimuli will also find a specially designated rest area with dimmed lighting. At the same time, all attendees are encouraged to converse quietly and be considerate of the special atmosphere.

Target Audience: From Neurodivergence to Simple Deceleration

With this concept, the museum is primarily targeting people who are sensitive to intense sensory stimuli. This includes, in particular, neurodivergent individuals and people on the autism spectrum, for whom a regular museum visit is often made difficult or impossible by constant sensory overload. However, the Berlinische Galerie emphasizes that the offer is entirely inclusive: any guest who simply desires a quiet, relaxed, and focused museum visit away from the usual hustle and bustle is expressly welcome.

Cultural Participation as an Institutional Mission

The introduction of the „Quiet Hours“ is much more than just a temporary project for the institution. The Berlinische Galerie explicitly sees itself as a „museum for all.“ The institution views dismantling barriers and ensuring the right to equal cultural participation as a central mandate. This new format actively drives forward the ongoing process toward a fully inclusive museum. It is a valuable step that shows how cultural institutions are increasingly adapting to the diverse needs of their visitors.

Service Information:

• What: „Quiet Hours“ (Stille Stunden) at the Berlinische Galerie

• When: Every second Saturday of the month, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Current Exhibition: „Lovis Corinth. Dann kam Berlin!“

• Further Information: Comprehensive details on the concept are available on the Berlinische Galerie website at berlinischegalerie.de/pressemitteilung/stille-stunden/.