During the regularly scheduled Historical house tour, Sophiensæle are examined from the perspective of the building itself—the former Craftsmen’s Association hall—and its changing uses and meanings are explored. By looking at the forms of work that took place here in the past and present, we investigate which stories of labor are inscribed in this building and where they can be recognized.

From the training of apprentices and cultural and recreational activities at this site, to workers’ organizations and struggles of the political left, contemporary forms of artistic and cultural work, as well as forced labor during World War II.

For the Never Work festival, we are adopting this format and, in one edition, expanding our view to the neighborhood surrounding Sophiensæle in collaboration with the historical district guide Arne Schmitt. In this tour, Sophiensæle will be situated within the history of the Spandauer Vorstadt district around Sophienstraße, and other sites in the surrounding neighborhood will be explored from a historical perspective. We cordially invite you to get to know Sophiensæle and the surrounding neighborhood in this way and to share your thoughts on the experience.

21 June – Historical neighborhood tour in cooperation with Arne Schmitt
23 June – Historical building tour