The open-air event season is in full swing and is far from over. From films set against the historic backdrop of the former Stasi headquarters to movie nights right by the lake in a green setting, Berlin has plenty to offer this summer. But that’s not all: One of Berlin’s parliamentary buildings will also serve as a giant screen well into October. From July 5 to October 3, 2026, the facade of the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus will be transformed into an impressive projection screen every evening after dark.
The parliamentary building belongs to the German Bundestag and will serve as the backdrop this summer for the approximately 40-minute film, light, and sound production “People and Parliament—Living Democracy in Germany.” It’s not just a matter of projecting a film onto a screen; the entire building is incorporated into the production. A total of five different projection surfaces will be used. The largest measures an impressive 300 square meters, while the smallest is 21 square meters. In addition, lasers will project further images onto various parts of the building, and spotlights will highlight the architecture of the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus. As a result, the whole experience is more reminiscent of a monumental light show than a traditional open-air movie theater.
In terms of content, the production takes viewers on a journey through thehistory of parliamentary democracy in Germany. It begins with the end of World War II in 1945 and continues through to the present day. The production contrasts the different developments in East and West Germany. Topics covered include the occupation period, the founding of the Federal Republic and the GDR, the Basic Law, and key milestones in German parliamentary history.
The end of the GDR and German reunification on October 3, 1990 , also play a central role. The journey through time then continues to the parliamentary democracy of today. In addition to historical events, the exhibition also highlights significant figures and political debates.
The event’s location is particularly extraordinary. Instead of sitting in a movie theater, you’ll take your seats on the steps along the southern bank of the Spree near Friedrich-Ebert-Platz. From there, you can watch the projections on the Bundestag building while enjoying the nighttime backdrop of Berlin’s government district. Admission is completely free, and no advance reservation or ticket is required.
The show will be presented twice in a row every evening. Currently, the screenings begin at 9:15 p.m. Starting August 28, the start time will shift to 8:45 p.m., and from September 11 through October 3, the screenings will begin as early as 8:15 p.m. This way, the start time will adjust over the course of the summer to accommodate the increasingly earlier sunset.
The final performance will take place on October 3, 2026—German Unity Day. The date is particularly fitting, as German reunification itself is a key part of the production. All in all, you’ll be able to experience this free spectacle for about three months right in the heart of Berlin’s parliamentary district.
