The Berlin Global exhibition in the reconstructed Berlin Palace was opened to the public in 2021, providing surprising insights into Berlin’s connections with the rest of the world. 

Participation is at the heart of this exhibition. Here, rather than being subjected to a closed narrative, visitors are invited to engage in ongoing debates and to help shape their experience as active participants.  

The exhibition covers 4,000 square metres of space and is divided into seven themed rooms, including Fashion, Free Space and War, all of which shed light on different perspectives of Berlin’s global connections.  

Each section is individually designed with a combination of spatial dramaturgy, exhibit displays and digital interactions. In addition to conveying historical contexts, this makes for immersive installations that bring social tensions to the surface while leading visitors to reflect on the current impact of these issues. 

The exhibition is based on a consistently inclusive design concept that aims to encourage broad participation by a diverse range of visitors. Right from the start, inclusion was an integral part of the exhibition concept. Accordingly, the exhibition takes a diversity-conscious approach that critically examines discrimination and raises awareness of marginalised groups. 

The interactive wristband – digital participation and discourse 

Participation is a core principle of Berlin Global. Visitors are not just the intended audience but also active participants. On entering, they are given a wristband with an integrated chip – the key to the interactive IAMU app developed by facts and fiction.  

By personalising the wristband, visitors can pre-select the language for all media apps, thereby providing yet another way of removing barriers. At numerous stations, visitors can choose between various responses to socially relevant questions on topics like migration, consumer behaviour and Germany’s culture of remembrance. Individual selections are recorded, evaluated at the end of the exhibition and correlated with majority and minority positions. 

This not only inspires personal reflection but also allows a clear picture of the collective mood to emerge. IAMU highlights people’s diverse responses to social issues and encourages them to question their own attitudes. 

Photos: www.keller-fotografie.de