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ABOVE:Learn about the German capital's signature urban snack at the new Currywurst Museum in Berlin. Berlin offers even more reasons to visit this fallArt, lights, free museums, and a cool new urban hotel LOS ANGELES -- Even 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the German capital continues to redefine itself. A score of new attractions, off-beat hotels, as well as a thriving art and cultural scene, living history, and the best nightlife on the continent continue to draw visitors from around the world to this "must-see" destination. Even better: offering the best value for money, Berlin remains very affordable. In the fall of 2009, there are even more reasons to visit, including: New Hotel Offers Unique Urban Space for the "Social City Traveler" Scheduled to open on September 9, 2009, the privately run and uniquely designed Michelberger Hotel promises to bring Berlin's vibrant way of life and unique historical patina inside its doors. Located near the famous Oberbaum Bridge, the Michelberger Hotel is the brainchild of Tom Michelberger and his friends, who wanted to design a sustainable, authentic establishment that offers a cosmopolitan, yet street-savvy hangout; something where they themselves would like to stay. The hotel features 119 uniquely designed rooms, a courtyard, bar and restaurant. Rates start at Euro 59/night. www.michelbergerhotel.com Festival of Lights turns Berlin into a Kaleidoscope of Color For two weeks, Berlin turns into a sparkling metropolis with a firework of illuminations during the annual Festival of Lights. The city's most recognized historical sights and locations will be highlighted by colorful lights, projections, and fireworks, giving Berlin a magical appearance. Complementing the festival are numerous cultural events, all focusing on the topic of "light". Special "lightseeing tours" are offered by bus, boat, or bicycle, and on the first Saturday of the festival many of the illuminated buildings host special events until midnight, during the "Night of open doors". October 14 – 25, 2009, www.festival-of-lights.de. Top Event: The 14th ArtForum Berlin: Fair for Contemporary Art Kicking off Europe's art fair season, some 130 of the world's leading galleries will present their stars as well as new talent at the ArtForum Berlin. One of the cultural highlights each fall, the fair has become one of the continent's most influential and bold events celebrating contemporary art. Taking place at the Berlin exhibition grounds (Messe Berlin), the fair is one of the most innovative, world-class art shows, showcasing a comprehensive overview of the most decisive trends and movements in the international art scene. Throughout the ArtForum Berlin, the city's museums, galleries and private art venues will stage a diverse program of exhibitions and special events. September 24 – 27, 2009, www.art-forum-berlin.com Value City Berlin: These Museums offer Free Admission A score of Berlin's 175+ museums do not charge any admission, including the Friedrichwerdersche Kirche and Schinkel Museum, which are located in a deconsecreted church, designed by the renowned neo-classical architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel and feature sculptures and exhibits on the life and work of the renowned Berlin master builder (www.smb.spk-berlin.de). For those preferring modern architecture, the Mies van der Rohe house is a "must" and also free. (www.miesvanderrohehaus.de). Other museums offer free admission only on certain days: On Mondays, the Deutsche Guggenheim presents high-quality exhibitions on contemporary art free of charge (www.deutsche-guggenheim.de). The National Museums of Berlin do not charge admission to their permanent exhibitions on Thursdays, during the last fours hours until closing. The National Museums include the museums on Museum Island, at the Kultur Forum, the Hamburger Bahnhof, as well as the Helmut Newton Foundation's Museum of Photography (www.smb.museum). On the first Monday in every month the Bröhan Museum offers free admission to their impressive exhibition on Art Nouveau, Art Déco and the Berlin Secession. (www.broehan-museum.de). The same applies to the Ephraim Palais and the Märkisches Museum which both feature Berlin art and history (www.stadtmuseum.de). The Currywurst Museum…Open at Last Finally, the long wait has finally come to an end for fans of Germany's most beloved urban snack. On August 16, the first German Currywurst Museum opened its doors near Checkpoint Charlie. The history of this curious combination of curry, ketchup and sausage will be explained, recipes will be provided, and a movie on the cult sausage. In addition to the exhibition, there's a museum shop and -- of course -- the currywurst lounge. www.currywurstmuseum.de. For more information about
tourism in Germany's capital, go to
www.visitberline.de. Photo copyright © Rolf Weschke.
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