Marzahn-Hellersdorf has a bit of a reputation as a no-go area full of concrete. But look hard enough and you’ll find a hidden pearl with a unique octagonal form. Schloss Biesdorf is a classicist palace sited in expansive grounds on the Barnim Plateau area of high ground. Amongst the prefab buildings, it brings you to another world and another century.

Designed by architect Heino Schmieden – who also worked on the Gropius Bau museum – Biesdorf was partially destroyed in 1945 and has been extensively renovated in recent years. Nowadays, the municipal gallery is the venue for changing contemporary art exhibitions

hosts free exhibitions as well as a permanent collection documenting the history of the 1868 house. An extensive program of concerts, guided tours, artist talks, lectures and literary events take place in its historic grounds. Admission to the exhibitions is free of charge.

Once you have arrived from the city center – Biesdorf is just 30 minutes from Friedrichstraße – sit back with some coffee and cake on the sun terrace. Afterwards take a walk through the park – a design from Eduard Neide, a student of Peter Joseph Lenné student and the director of the Tiergarten. Then, check out the pond and historic ice cellar. In the warmer months, concerts and other open-air events are held in the grounds as part of the Biesdorfer Parkbühne. Concrete jungle: we beg to differ!