Berlin unveils bold plan to confront its colonial legacy through culture

Berlin has taken a formal step towards addressing its colonial past. On Monday, a city-wide remembrance concept titled Remembering Colonialism was presented to Senator for Culture Sarah Wedl-Wilson. The plan follows a 2019 decision by the House of Representatives calling for a structured approach to processing and commemorating Berlin’s colonial history.

The concept was developed through a collaboration between cultural institutions and civil society groups. Among the key contributors were the Museen Treptow-Köpenick and the Projektverbund Dekoloniale Erinnerungskultur in der Stadt, which includes organizations like the Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland (ISD) and 14,4 km e.V. Their work builds on a mandate from the public, pushing politicians to confront the legacy of colonial crimes.

Central to the proposal is the creation of a colonial learning and remembrance site. Three potential locations have been identified: the former German Colonial Museum, the site of the Royal Museum of Ethnology, and the area near the carp pond in Treptower Park. Alongside this, a decentralized network of memorial markers will highlight key historical sites across the city. The concept also stresses the need for deeper scientific research into colonial history and racism. It calls for ongoing cooperation with affected communities and civil society. Funding for related projects will come from the existing program Promotion of Contemporary Historical and Remembrance Cultural Projects, with 150,000 euros allocated annually by the Senate Administration for Culture. However, no extra funds have been set aside in the 2026/27 budget for implementing the broader remembrance plan.

The remembrance concept now rests with Berlin’s political leadership. If adopted, it will establish permanent structures for education and reflection on colonialism. The next steps depend on how the Senate integrates the proposals into long-term cultural policy.