Commons Cosmodrome – Re-entering the spaces of ZK/U

About

With the completion of the ZK/U expansion in the fall of 2024, the extension of the former freight station will create a new venue for Berlin. Since 2012, it has charted its own institutional path by connecting global discourses with local practice. Now, with new spaces – including a public rooftop terrace, exhibition areas, and workshop rooms – it will achieve even greater visibility and accessibility.

In collaboration with Peter Grundmann Architects, the former heating and storage hall has been carefully transformed into a year-round gathering space. On the roof of ZK/U, a new "Urban Stage" – a publicly accessible rooftop terrace – has been created, offering a space for the neighborhood and being visible to the more than 180,000 commuters passing by daily. With the Commons Cosmodrome project, ZK/U is beginning a new chapter in its history, evolving from a freight station to a site for communal art.

From September 12 to 15, 2024, ZK/U will celebrate its reopening – a moment of renewal and encounter. During the opening days, ZK/U will reflect on the societal developments of recent years and aim to develop narratives and formats that offer new perspectives on the societal commons. In this new space, human and non-human voices will come together to explore the cosmos of the common good. It is a welcome to all who wish to be part of this journey – artists, neighbors, and the curious – and a shared view of the movements on the societal horizon. With Commons Cosmodrome, the venue will become a starting point for new artistic and societal impulses.

Program

Thursday, 12 Sep

6.30 pm
Forecourt
Opening ceremony with greetings from State Secretary Stephan Machulik, Senator Joe Chialo, District Councillor Ephraim Gothe and Neighborhood Councillor Jutta Schauer-Oldenburg

7–11 pm
Hall, upper floor new building, roof
Werkschau
The ZK/U presents itself, its projects and partners in the new building

Ground floor and upper floor of residency, upper floor new building, cellar, terrace, forecourt
No Departures Without Arrivals
Exhibition with current and former residents

from 11 pm
Terrace
Space to move and be moved, with drinks and music
with Susan Augustt, DAT POLITICS, Ray Collett und Shawescape Renegade

Friday, 13 Sep

3–8 pm
Hall, upper floor new building, roof
Werkschau
The ZK/U presents itself, its projects and partners in the new building

Ground floor and upper floor of residency, upper floor new building, cellar, terrace, forecourt
No Departures Without Arrivals
Exhibition with current and former residents

7.30 pm
Hall
Privatoper: Das schöne Milchmädchen oder Der Guckkasten
Joseph Woelfl's long-forgotten play returns to the stage at ZK/U

Saturday, 14 Sep

1 pm
Hall
Privatoper: Das schöne Milchmädchen oder Der Guckkasten
Joseph Woelfl's long-forgotten play back on stage at ZK/U

3–8 pm
Hall, upper floor new building, roof
Werkschau
The ZK/U presents itself, its projects and partners in the new building

Ground floor and upper floor of residency, upper floor new building, cellar, terrace, forecourt
No Departures Without Arrivals
Exhibition with current and former residents

8 pm
Hall
Concert: Spaces
with Cile and Gazino Neukölln

Sunday, 15 Sep

3 pm
Hall
Privatoper: Das schöne Milchmädchen oder Der Guckkasten
Joseph Woelfl's long-forgotten play back on stage at ZK/U

3–8 pm
Hall, upper floor new building, roof
Werkschau
The ZK/U presents itself, its projects and partners in the new building

Ground floor and upper floor of residency, upper floor new building, cellar, terrace, forecourt
No Departures Without Arrivals
Exhibition with current and former residents

7 pm
Hall
Berlin x Chengdu - Food & Footage Edition
Building bridges between Chengdu and Berlin through cinema and cuisine

from 11 pm
Terrace
Space to move and be moved, with drinks and music
with Elizen the Emperor

ZK/U expansion is funded by the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the State of Berlin within the framework of the Zukunftsinitiative Stadtteil, Funding Programm Social Cohesion.

ZK/U is a partner of Berlin Art Week with Commons Cosmodrome.