Berlin modern, Modern art museum at Kulturforum, Berlin, Germany

berlin modern is a museum under construction on the Kulturforum between the Neue Nationalgalerie, the Matthäuskirche and the Philharmonie. Herzog & de Meuron designed a plain large block with a pitched roof, which critics have called a barn; a cut-out in the building keeps a 150-year-old plane tree, and a freely accessible beer-garden-style café is planned there. The site covers about 10,200 m², with roughly 16,000 m² of floor area, of which about 9,000 m² are exhibition space. A 480 m² atrium holds a large stair that doubles as seating for performances.

Plans for an extension to the Neue Nationalgalerie date from the 2010s, when the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz pushed the project forward because the 20th-century collection could only be shown in part. The site on Potsdamer Straße, between the Neue Nationalgalerie, Matthäuskirche and Philharmonie, was chosen; Hans Scharoun had once planned a artists' guesthouse there. Herzog & de Meuron won the 2016 competition. The first sod was cut on 3 December 2019, the foundation stone laid on 9 February 2024, and completion is now expected in 2030 at the earliest.

The name reflects its focus on twentieth-century art development, which flows through the entire collection. Visitors encounter artistic movements that shaped the era, from early avant-garde expressions to contemporary approaches.

The museum sits within easy reach of train and subway lines near Potsdamer Platz, making it accessible by public transit. The entrance at Matthäikirchplatz provides access for people with mobility needs and standard visitor facilities.

The design by Herzog & de Meuron leaves a gap in the building so that a 150-year-old plane tree can stay standing; a beer-garden-style restaurant open to everyone is planned there. The 480 m² atrium holds a large staircase used as seating for performances, also free to enter during normal operation.