Accessibility

Equal participation in and accessibility to exhibitions, cultural events, and performances is important to HKW. Below you will find detailed information on childcare, barrier-free transportation to and from HKW, and the forms of accessibility within the building.

All buses are barrier-free (excluding the 218 Bus). Most underground subway (U-Bahn) stations have step-free access and include folding ramps, but not all. The U5 and 100 bus are the most direct, barrier-free forms of transport to HKW:

• The U5 brings you to the ‘Bundestag’ stop and has elevator access. From there, one can head westward to reach the step-free back entrance or the Spree side entrance past the restaurant.

• The 100 Bus brings you to the ‘Haus der Kulturen der Welt’ stop located directly in front of HKW on John-Foster-Dulles-Allee. From the stop, one can follow the driveway of HKW to the two front entrances. Both entrances have step-free access.

To plan a barrier-free trip to HKW from anywhere in the city, visit the BVG website.

For more information on how to get to HKW, please go to the Visit page.

The following PDF is a detailed guide to the modes of transport in Berlin and their accessibility.

HKW is accessible via the barrier-free, step-free Itō Noe Entrance located off John-Foster-Dulles-Allee. Two other barrier-free entrances are located on the east side of the building and on the Spree side of the building. There are also automatic doors located on the Spree side of the building.

Please note: due to renovation work, the lift between the basement and the mezzanine floor is currently not in use. Barrier-free passage from the Itō Noe entrance to the restaurant is not possible. We have marked alternative routes for you. Wheelchairs and folding chairs are available in the Sylvia Wynter Foyer. From the mezzanine floor, the roof terrace is accessible by lift. We would be happy help you plan routes and options for your visit. Send an email to education@hkw.de and we will call you back, or speak to our team during events.

Please note:

• Restaurant Weltwirtschaft has barrier-free access only via an entrance located on the side of the building that is closest to the Spree unless you enter via inside HKW from the bottom floor.

• Two barrier-free parking spots are in front of the main lobby’s right entrance; another is on the left side of the building, next to the gate in front of the eastern driveway to the building.

• The front entrances of the building have wheelchair-height intercom systems.

A floor guidance system leads from the Haus der Kulturen der Welt bus stop (Bus 100) to the main entrance. Outside this entrance, a table with a tactile model offers orientation about the different levels of the building. Here, information about the architecture of the building and its surroundings are provided in braille and are marked by strong visual contrasts. In addition, glass doors are labelled with safety markings and the elevators are equipped with braille panels and the stops are announced.

The basement and mezzanine each contain two gender-neutral restrooms that have step-free accessibility.

Most of the signage throughout the HKW building is written in German, but much of the exhibition and event texts as well as accompanying materials and books are published in English.

Visitors who are holders of mark B disability cards and comparable international IDs are entitled to reduced ticket prices for all events and a free ticket for a companion. You can get your tickets by calling +49 (0) 30 397 87 175.

HKW is committed to improving all facets of accessibility. Your feedback can help us in that regard. We appreciate your questions and suggestions: barrierefrei@hkw.de or +49 (0) 30 397 87 175.

 

This page was last updated in June 2023.