Local before arrival
Berliners are good at giving their landmarks and famous buildings sharp-tongued, yet warm nicknames. This congress hall, located directly on the Spree River and designed by American architect Hugh Stubbins, is popularly called the “pregnant oyster.” The building – a gift from the USA to West Berlin – was built during the Cold War and was intended to serve as a symbol of freedom. Today, exhibitions, festivals and event series take place here.
