Böhmermann's exhibition in Berlin: 30,000 visitors celebrate irrationality!

Böhmermann's exhibition in Berlin: 30,000 visitors celebrate irrationality!

In Berlin, the exhibition “The Possibility of Unreason” by Jan Böhmermann pulls out all the stops. From September 27th to October 19th, 2025, more than 30,000 visitors found their way to the House of World Cultures (HKW), making this event one of the best-attended projects in the history of the HKW. The residency format presented by Böhmermann and the Royale group expands the “corridors of what can be said, explored and represented” in order to discuss social and political issues in a central location. This also strengthened the connection to current events in the world and encouraged reflection on our communication.

Visitors expected a mixture of art and provocative messages. In front of the HKW there was an artistic installation: the head and arm of a statue protruded from a pool of water, with the English inscription: "You finally did it! You crazy people! You screwed it up!", which is reminiscent of the final scene of the film "Planet of the Apes". This dark irony cuts to the core and reflects current social issues.

Artistic thoughts on unreason

As Böhmermann himself emphasized, the exhibition represents a necessary change in communication. The strict ban on cell phones, photos and films was implemented in order to invite visitors to immerse themselves in the topic and engage with the exhibits presented. The controversy surrounding rapper Chefket's planned appearance on October 7th was particularly bizarre, which Böhmermann classified as unfortunate, especially in view of the events of the day when terrorists from Hamas and other groups carried out a massacre in Israel.

This massacre, in which around 1,200 people lost their lives and more than 250 were taken hostage, led to the escalation of the Gaza war, which has now claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives. The shocks that influence the global climate also found their place in the exhibition's discussions.

Art and society in focus

Berlin offers an exciting art environment with over 150 museums and around 350 galleries. Yes, the city is literally thriving when it comes to cultural initiatives. While Böhmermann's exhibition is causing a stir, there are also other interesting projects that enrich cultural life here. The Center for Contemporary Art shows the works of Simone Zaugg and Pfelder, while a walk-in labyrinth by Diane Arbus invites you to marvel. Festivals, concepts for community education and the pursuit of more cultural participation are central to creating a vibrant cultural scene.

This also makes it clear that art in Berlin not only depicts, but also actively contributes to shaping social discussions. The current exhibitions not only reflect on digital and analogue communication, but also focus on explosive topics such as anti-Semitism, gender issues and the historical dimensions of resistance. It remains exciting to see how these discourses develop and what artistic responses they will provoke.

The exhibition “The Possibility of Unreason” offered more than just art; it has created a space for reflection, discussion and perhaps also for the “necessary change” in the way we treat each other. Who would have thought that large artistic projects could develop so much power when linked to social reality - proof that there is always a creative fire burning in Berlin.

Visit the exhibition while it is open - and perhaps you will encounter not only the art, but also the ideas that affect us all.