Berlin 2026
An inspiring city where tradition meets modernity

Berlin is a unique city. No matter where you stop, you get the feeling that it’s speaking to you, that it’s addressing you directly to help you understand its complex dynamics.

By Lylhèm Pardo-Cardonnel

Berlin strikes a balance between tradition and modernity, with its dense, at times oppressive history set against the vibrancy of its atmosphere, which is marked by a cultural and artistic flourishing that very few cities can boast. It is therefore no coincidence that I have more than once found myself stopping in the middle of nowhere in front of a subway car or a building wall marked by the talent of Berlin’s street artists, to admire the richness of this complex urban environment.

The architecture is a particularly interesting aspect of this city. In fact, it is one of the first things that catches your eye as soon as you enter the 'gray city.' This impression is due above all to the city’s great diversity. On the one hand, certain buildings bear witness to a long artistic and cultural history through classical, neo-Gothic, or neo-Romanesque styles, featuring highly detailed and impressive stone structures, such as those on the beautiful Museum Island; on the other hand, many residential buildings exhibit an almost brutalist style typical of the late 1970s, with large, neatly aligned concrete structures. Amidst all this, some buildings stand out from the rest thanks to their modern architecture, featuring large windows, bold shapes, and impressive dimensions. Even though this expression is often misused, it is undeniable that this city is a true crossroads between tradition and modernity.

While the city may be divided by its architecture, it is united on other levels, particularly through the visual arts such as street art. People say Berlin’s nickname is “the gray city.” In my view, that is completely wrong. The city shines thanks to the works of art that adorn every corner: murals, sculptures, street performances, and much more. And this is true even in the dreariness and cold of the German winter. In my opinion, the highlight of this art form is found in a place on the outskirts of Berlin: Teufelsberg. Originally a weather station, then an American listening post during the Cold War, and finally the largest open-air street art gallery in Europe. This represents Berlin exceptionally well. First, the aspect of transformation, because Berlin is a city that has undergone profound change, even over short periods of time, often through various occupations, through collective and social movements, or simply through progress. Second, the collective aspect, because Berlin is a deeply community-oriented city. Whether it’s the various art projects on every street corner or major political movements like demonstrations or public protests—Berlin is characterized by free speech, debates, and movements. A city that is alive on every level.

There is always something going on in Berlin. The city is known as the setting for some of history's darkest chapters, but also as one of the world’s hubs for art, culture, politics, social movements, and techno music (yes, that is a unique feature). And another wonderful thing about Berlin is that it isn’t afraid to confront its past, even when it’s sometimes frightening. In the “Berlin Unterwelten,” we were able to explore the city underground, and while visiting this underground museum in former bunkers, I gained a slightly better understanding of what happened back then, and above all, how to better recognize the warning signs of an impending tragic event. I also visited the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, which is just a few minutes by train from Berlin. Here, too, history is not hidden away but made accessible within the framework of a culture of remembrance that is ever-present and vital. The residents of this strange city are all very different, but if there is one thing that unites them, it is that they all have a lot to tell, just like Berlin, which never misses an opportunity to speak to us at every street corner.