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From Nazi Bunker to Hip Art Gallery

The Boros Collection is a private art collection in Berlin, placed in a Nazi air-raid shelter. The Bunker was purchased by Christian Boros for 1 Euro in 2003, got a severe renovation and is today one of the hippest and most exclusive art galleries.

The Bunker (The Boros Collection) is a private art collection in Berlin, which is placed in a 1943 air-raid shelter, which was built to protect 3000 people and has an area of 1000 m²,  is 18 metres high and its walls are up to two metres thick. In fact so thick, that when the building should have been taken down - it was impossible. For many years the bunker was left alone, before in 1992 it was turned in a hardcore techno club, which was closed down in 1996 after several raids.

In 2003 the bunker was purchased by Christian Boros for 1 Euro. With help from architects, Jens Casper and Petra Petersson, he convert the building into a 3,000 m2 exhibition space and build a 450 m2 glass-walled penthouse on the roof.

The renovation was completed in 2007 and today 'The Bunker' is the ultra hip home to Mr. Boros´private private collection of contemporary art. The first permanent exhibition opened in 2008, featuring selected sculptures, installations, and light and performance works by, among others,Olafur Eliasson and Anselm Reyle. The works have been installed by the artists themselves on location.

The Bunker is open to the public only by appointment, and only 12 people are allowed on the 1,5 hour guided tour at a time.

What can we learn from this?

That weaknesses (ex. ugly building, frightening history, unattractive size) can be turned into a strength and a unique selling point, adding edge to a project.

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