KUNST-WERKE BERLIN

It seems mandatory to be based in some kind of old warehouse/factory/industrial has-been to be taken seriously as a contemporary arts venue these days; lucky then that Kunst-Werke Berlin is housed in a former margarine factory in Berlin’s trendy Mitte. Touting itself as a ‘laboratory’ for trendy young things, it plays host to major exhibitions, houses artists’ studios, and conducts regular workshops where you can chew the fat with local art enthusiasts. KW has made a name for itself by partnering up with international big-wigs including MoMA in New York, and establishing the Berlin Biennale in ’97. The biggest names in contemporary art often headline here – past shows have included work by Doug Aitken, Dinos & Jake Chapman, Santiago Sierra and Jane & Louise Wilson – but even if you aren’t into the art, KW holds one big attraction: The Café Bravo in its courtyard. Dan Graham’s glass cube isn’t just a pleasant hangout – on Sundays it also serves up cocktails and DJ sessions.