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Silent Green Kulturquartier

Concerts, art, offices, and a café in what used to be Berlin's first crematorium.

Berlin, Germany

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Berlinblog
Entrance to the old crematorium in Wedding.   Berlinblog (Atlas Obscura User)
MARS Cafe in the old crematorium   Berlinblog (Atlas Obscura User)
Modernized facilities in the crematorium   Berlinblog (Atlas Obscura User)
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About

In 1911, Berlin got its first crematorium: a dramatic, domed building that stands amidst a graveyard in the multicultural district of Wedding. After it closed in 2002, holding its final cremations, a group of Berliners reinvented the space as a hub for art, events, and learning. 

The former crematorium is owned and run by Silent Green, an organization whose investors include filmmaker and director Jörg Heitmann and developer Frank Duske, who has been involved in urban development projects. Their transformation of the historic building fits in with Berlin's tradition of reinventing abandoned buildings.

Silent Green's most notable feature is probably the acoustics and atmosphere of concerts held in the main area, with its dome, where mourners once gathered. The café on the premises, MARS, is a nice place for brunch, sandwiches, or even dinner, on occasion, and the garden is quiet and relaxing.

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Art Performances Music Graveyards Death Cemeteries

Know Before You Go

Get off the U6 or S-Bahn Ring at the Wedding Station. Silent Green offers guided tours in German, and you can find the events schedule on the Silent Green website. The entrance is at Gerichtstraße.

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Berlinblog

Edited By

hrnick

Published

February 15, 2021

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