BERLIN-MITTE – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the capital’s art scene, the Galerie Nord | Kunstverein Tiergarten is facing imminent closure, ending 21 years of internationally recognized exhibition work. The announcement comes just a year after celebrating its successful two-decade milestone in Moabit.

The decision, confirmed yesterday, concludes a period of protracted conflict with the long-standing cooperation partner, the Department of Art, Culture and History within the Berlin-Mitte District Authority (Bezirksamt Mitte). The Kunstverein Tiergarten states it is „appalled and speechless“ that its vital civil society commitment is being trampled upon „without necessity.“

The crisis began last summer when the District Authority put the gallery space—used by the Kunstverein for 21 years—out to public tender. Despite submitting its own application, the Kunstverein Tiergarten was unsuccessful. District Mayor Stefanie Remlinger, who also serves as the Councillor for Culture, confirmed she would follow the jury’s recommendation for a different applicant.

Questioning Political Will

The core of the criticism lies in the application of administrative law. The Kunstverein argues that while a tendering process was invoked, the law grants considerable discretionary scope (Ermessensspielräume). This scope, which is regularly exercised in favor of numerous other established cultural organizations, was explicitly not used to ensure the continuation of Galerie Nord.

The statement sharply questions the political leadership: „With Stefanie Remlinger, a District Mayor who is simultaneously the Councillor for Culture has failed to utilize her discretionary powers to protect a sustainable and successful cultural institution, contrary to her own assurances.“

Galerie Nord, a structure that has been nominated multiple times for the Association of German Art Societies (AdKV) Award, argues its unnecessary destruction jeopardizes years of volunteer citizen engagement. They demand accountability regarding the district’s cultural vision and sustainability priorities.

Final Show and Demand for Transparency

Numerous renowned art institutions, artists, and politicians had publicly opposed the tendering process. Despite this public outcry, the District Authority pushed the process through.

The Kunstverein Tiergarten is now urgently demanding that district politicians examine this procedure and ensure that the jury’s criteria and the contracting process are made fully transparent. They call upon the District Assembly (BVV) and its Cultural Committee to investigate how the cultural administration can override the popular will without utilizing available discretionary legal means.

The Galerie Nord will host its very last opening on Friday, November 14th, 2025, at 7 PM. The final exhibition is titled MAP 2025 – Arrival? Bremen – Hanoi – Berlin.