Nachbarschaftsfest in the garden of ESMT Berlin on July 5

Together with the Archäologisches Haus, the Bertelsmann Stiftung, the Bundesstiftung Bauakademie, the Humboldt Forum, the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler, and Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Berlin Mitte, ESMT Berlin will host the neighborhood festival “Sommer auf der Insel” on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the garden of the former State Council building of the GDR at Schlossplatz 1. Visitors can look forward to a diverse program for the whole family: food trucks serving international specialties, a spacious children’s area with a bouncy castle, magic shows, face painting, and airbrush tattoos, live music on the garden stage, as well as guided tours to the archeological path of PETRI Berlin. The event creates an open space for exchange, encounters, and shared experiences in the heart of Berlin. At the center are the questions: What is the future of Berlin’s city center? How are science, culture, and city administration shaping the development of the southern Spreeinsel? Those who not only want to talk about these questions but experience the site’s diversity firsthand are warmly invited to spend a summer afternoon outdoors – together with neighbors, institutions, and all those interested. Organized by ESMT Berlin in close collaboration with the institutions of the Interessengemeinschaft Spreeinsel, the festival offers a platform for dialogue, information, and connection – accessible, free of charge, and right in the heart of the city. Program overview 2:00 p.m. – Doors open 3:00 p.m. – Welcome and presentation of the participating institutions, stage program begins 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – Musical performances by the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler 5:00 p.m. – Panel on urban development with Berlin’s Senate Building Director, Prof. Petra Kahlfeldt All day: Children’s program including clowns, bouncy castle, magic show, face painting, and tattoos Food trucks and beverage stalls Guided tours to the archeological path of PETRI Berlin Information stands and exhibition on planned developments for the southern Spreeinsel The stage program will be accompanied by hourly raffle draws. The 5:00 p.m. panel discussion marks the thematic highlight of the day. It will focus on questions of architectural development, the design of public space, and the opportunities for vibrant community life in the heart of the city. The event will be rounded off with musical contributions by the ESMT Choir, culinary variety, and informal conversations with representatives of the participating institutions. An exhibition and numerous information stands will provide insights into concrete plans, ideas, and already ongoing projects around the Spreeinsel area.