​Visit Berlin Hosts Media Lunch Announcing 2022 Attractions and Activities

Wall art at the Drawing Room at Kimpton La Peer West Hollywood (Images: Ruksana Hussain)

Germany has always been on my list of places to visit, and I could not resist this invitation from Visit Berlin to learn more about what’s happening in the city this year and onward. Here’s to scheming my trip over! The lovely luncheon was hosted at the Drawing Room at the Kimpton La Peer West Hollywood – a fitting venue for a city so closely associated with art and décor and design and architecture…I could go on. 

Kale and beet salad with parmesan, almonds and cider vinaigrette.

With pandemic protocols somewhat reduced and folks more freely mixing and mingling, it felt lovely to see many familiar faces and meet some new ones. The event began with a few pre-lunch libations as guests sauntered in. The luncheon itself was a seated presentation featuring some highlights from what’s new and upcoming in Berlin, shared with guests by none other than Visit Berlin CEO Burkhard Kieker and Director of Culture Lutz Henke.

Garlic shrimp wth smoked butter and spinach.

Among highlights shared were Humboldt Forum, Berlin’s new top sight is now open. It is Europe’s largest and most significant cultural construction project. The New National Gallery - Mies van der Rohe Modernist Icon is also now open after completing a six-year renovation. The iconic steel and glass building is a landmark of modern architecture. And the Samurai Art Museum Berlin—the largest samurai museum outside of Japan and the first in Europe—opened doors to one of the world’s biggest samurai collections including some 1,000 exhibits covering sophisticated armor and helmets, unique sculptures, and the world-famous samurai swords. 

Kirsten Schmidt sharing Visit Berlin's latest news with guests.

Other attractions to look forward to beyond 2022 include House of One—bringing three religions under one roof; Berlin Museum of Medical History—comprising 10,000 pathological and anatomical specimens; National Monument to Freedom and Unity—dedicated to all who fought for the fall of the Berlin Wall; and the Museum of the 20th Century displaying 20th century art collections. 

Herb marinated chicken wrap with olives, yogurt, cucumber and dill.

Travelers to Berlin will be happy to know there are now more partners and discounts signed up with the Berlin Welcome Card which offers sightseeing deals, and the new subway line U5 connects major cultural highlights to make sightseeing even easier. So whether you want to visit Bradenburg Gate or Museum Island, or head to Memorial Church and Eastside Gallery, finding your way there is fairly easy and convenient. 

Cali bowl with shrimp, quinoa, avocado, spinach and ginger vinaigrette.

I’ve always wanted to check out the Christmas markets in Germany but now I think I might need to spend more time there, especially in Berlin. If you’ve been, I’d love to hear your insights in the comments below. I might just make a dash for it this year if you entice me just a tad bit!

Henke and Kieker presenting the latest highlights.