As Berlin Enters August: Final Days at Humboldt Forum, Murillo in Potsdam, and Berlinische Galerie Guide

The first two weeks of August witness a highly active art scene in Berlin and its immediate surroundings. As the historical confrontation exhibition at the Humboldt Forum closes its doors this Sunday, DAS MINSK in Potsdam hosts the dialogue between Oscar Murillo & Monet running until August 9. Meanwhile, at Berlinische Galerie, a marathon of three different exhibitions ranging from abstract sculpture to petro-politics continues at full speed.

CLOSING THIS SUNDAY — Humboldt Forum: “Relevant to the System”

August 3, 2026 (Sunday) | Free Admission

Final weekend for this radical exhibition asking “Where were the women?” among the 14 monumental male statues of the 17th-century Hohenzollern dynasty! Serving as the Berlin leg of the WIRKSAM project jointly conducted by 10 museums across Germany, the selection brings the obscured influence of women in the history of power straight to the very center of the museum. Place this free exhibition closing on Sunday at the top of your agenda.

• Venue: Schloßplatz 1, 10178 Berlin-Mitte

• Details: no-26 blog

⏳ UNTIL AUGUST 9 — Oscar Murillo “Collective Osmosis” / DAS MINSK Kunsthaus

Until August 9, 2026 | Potsdam (~30 minutes from Berlin via S7 suburban train)

Colombian contemporary artist Oscar Murillo’s abstract canvases and participatory projects meet the impressionist legacy of Monet. Transforming the viewer into the producer of the canvas through “Social Mapping” and “Collective Painting” sessions, this exhibition marks the first joint project between two institutions of the Hasso Plattner Foundation (DAS MINSK and Museum Barberini). A fantastic excuse to head out to Potsdam before summer ends.

• Venue: Schiffbauergasse 4/5, 14467 Potsdam

• Details: no-26 blog

CLOSING THIS WEEK — Brigitte Meier-Denninghoff / Berlinische Galerie

August 3, 2026 (Monday) | Tickets: €12 / €7 Reduced

Final week for the retrospective bringing together metal and soldering works between 1946–1970 by Brigitte Meier-Denninghoff, one of the pioneers of the German abstract sculpture tradition! Under the same museum roof, Monira Al Qadiri’s “Hero” (until August 17) and Marc Brandenburg’s “20th Century Debris” (until September 14) exhibitions can also be visited.

• Venue: Alte Jakobstraße 124–128, 10969 Berlin-Kreuzberg

• Details: no-26 blog

Other Highlighted Exhibitions to Add to Your Agenda in Berlin Museums:

• Monira Al Qadiri — “Hero”: Open at Berlinische Galerie until August 17, 2026. The giant red-carpeted installation focusing on the petro-economy and pop culture heroism is in the same building as Meier-Denninghoff.

• Marc Brandenburg — “20th Century Debris”: Can be visited in the halls of Berlinische Galerie until September 14, 2026.

• Kyiv Biennial — “A Bird That Cannot Land”: Continues throughout the summer at KW Institute for Contemporary Art (Mitte) building until September 13, 2026. A vibrant program of thought and performance featuring over 40 artists focusing on exile, war, and geographic disruptions.

What Is the Priority Order in Berlin This Week?

• Single Choice for This Sunday: Definitely the Humboldt Forum. Admission is free, and it closes completely on Sunday, August 3. After experiencing a historical confrontation in the heart of Mitte, you can take a walk along the banks of the Spree.

• Is a Potsdam Day Worth It?: Absolutely yes! The Oscar Murillo exhibition at DAS MINSK ends on August 9. You can reach it in 30 minutes via the S7 from Berlin and stop by the nearby Museum Barberini on the same day.

• Final Day for Berlinische Galerie?: The Brigitte Meier-Denninghoff exhibition closes on Monday, August 3. However, the Monira Al Qadiri and Marc Brandenburg exhibitions will remain open throughout August and September.

NO-26 Editor’s Art Route Note

This week, Berlin and its surroundings operate virtually on two different frequencies: While female power erased from history next to iconic marble statues is questioned in Mitte, a Colombian contemporary artist and a French Impressionist call the audience to the brush in Potsdam. Keep your art calendar tight and don’t miss the closing dates!