Artist Christoph Niemann's Guide to Berlin
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Town & Country's summer issue is all about GO. After more than two years of staying put—both literally and metaphorically—we're ready to go on a trip; to go see a show; to go shopping for a new wardrobe—to just get out and go. That sense of adventure fills our latest issue from beginning to end, starting with the cover, which features an illustration of Teotihuacán, Mexico's Pyramid of the Sun, by artist Christoph Niemann.
Niemann is known for his whimsical visual storytelling, including his travel sketches featuring impressions from his journeys. Here he takes a look a little closer to home, sharing his guide to Berlin. Below are his picks for where to stay, what to eat, and the art you absolutely must see during your visit.
Where to stay:
"Anywhere in a three kilometer radius from the Brandenburg Gate is great, then you can explore any part of the city comfortably."
Where to eat:
"Nobelhard & Schmutzig is one of those farm-to-table restaurants where they tell you the life story of each turnip they serve. Book a table well in advance! My local favorite is a small place called Lokal in Mitte—Great staff, delicious and inventive local food!
A must-try dish:
"Of course that would be doner kebab. Get it to go in Kreuzberg, and sit down at the Landwehrkanal to enjoy."
How to get around:
"There are barely any hills in Berlin, so from April to October, a bike is unbeatable (though public transport is very good and inexpensive)."
The one thing to see before you leave the city:
"Look at my two favorite paintings in Berlin: Adolph Menzel’s 'Balkonzimmer' and Caspar David Friedrich’s 'Mönch am Meer' at the Old National Gallery on Museum Island."
A recommendation for design lovers:
"Go to the Neue National Galerie (designed by Mies van der Rohe, and magically renovated by David Chipperfield). The collection of modern art is fantastic, but the building alone is worth it. Next door you’ll find the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Arts and Crafts)."
If you have a little more time:
"Go to Wannsee, in the far southwest of the city. There are several famous buildings you can visit, like the house (turned museum) of German impressionist Max Liebermann with a beautiful garden by the lake, or the important documentation at the Haus der Wannsee Konferenz memorial. If you get there by train—15 minutes from Central Station—you can see one of the works I’m proudest of: I designed a 120-foot pedestrian tunnel with a tile-mosaic mural in the Wannsee train station."
Want to see more of Niemann's work? If you find yourself in Berlin, send an email to studio@christophniemann.com to schedule an appointment at the studio. Otherwise, head to christophniemann.com.
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