Just a stone’s throw out of the city, the world looks so much more relaxed. If you want to truly enjoy some peace and quiet in the summer, sometimes you just have to leave Berlin behind. Not only are the numerous outdoor swimming areas in the surrounding area perfect for this, but so are special historic sites. One of them is the Wehrmühle in Biesenthal, northeast of Berlin. The historic mill complex is now an art-focused institution for contemporary art and culture, combining its centuries-old history with a modern cultural concept.
However, this is about much more than a traditional museum visit, as art, nature, architecture, and the historic grounds are deliberately interwoven. The former mill complex provides an extraordinary backdrop for this, where historic architecture meets modern additions and contemporary art.
Art exhibitions and cultural projects have been taking place at the Wehrmuehle for many years now. The focus is on contemporary art, ranging from installations and sculptures to photography and performances, as well as sound works and pieces created specifically for this unique location. In the past, works by Anne Imhof, Anna Uddenberg, Rosa Barba, Yngve Holen, Ana Mendieta, Berlinde De Bruyckere, and Roman Signer, among others, have been on display here.
The Wehrmuehle’s location is particularly extraordinary. The historic site is situated on the Finow River and is surrounded by lush greenery and nature. The ecological preservation and protection of the site and its surroundings are even among the institution’s core values. Art is therefore not limited exclusively to traditional indoor spaces. Especially during the summer exhibitions, the outdoor areas and the surrounding landscape are also incorporated. At Art Biesenthal 2026, for example, the concept includes performances, sound works, and site-specific installations on the mill grounds and in the river landscape.
There will be plenty to discover at the Wehrmuehle in 2026 as well. As part of the Artist-in-Residence program, a selected artist will spend three weeks on the grounds and, in addition to accommodations in the historic guesthouse, will receive their own studio as well as a production grant of 1,000 euros. The work created during the residency will then become part of the Art Biesenthal 2026 Summer Group Exhibition , which brings together established and emerging international artists.
Sally von Rosen’s first institutional solo exhibition has also been announced for 2026. The focus will be on her new bronze sculptures “Motherform, ” which enter into a dialogue with the work of a historic Surrealist artist. Anyone wishing to visit the Wehrmuehle at this time should, however, check the current exhibition schedule and opening hours before traveling, as these may vary depending on ongoing projects and events.
