Wassersportmuseum Grünau
In the location's words:
Water sports are as much a part of Grünau as the TV tower is of Berlin-Mitte. Water sports have been practiced continuously on the Dahme River and Lake Langen since the 19th century—even though their significance, the community involved, and the regatta grounds have changed time and again. Toward the end of the 19th century, young men—primarily from middle-class backgrounds—discovered rowing for themselves. The first rowing clubs were founded, boathouses were built along the Dahme River, and competitions were held. By 1928, Grünau was the only regatta venue in Germany to feature six starting lanes on a natural body of water. Rowing became Grünau’s hallmark. The exhibition shows how rowing techniques, the physical skills required for water sports, and water sports clubs evolved over the decades. It tells the story of the Grünau regatta course as a sports venue and tourist destination during the German Empire, under National Socialism, in the GDR, and today.
The permanent exhibition “Wasser Sport Grünau” is on view in the historic regatta grandstand.
Special Exhibition (June 10, 2026, through December 31, 2026):
Full Speed Ahead!
Photographic Perspectives on Water Sports and Politics
How do photographs reveal the intertwining of sports and politics? In our exhibition, we explore this question using the history of water sports at the traditional regatta course in Berlin-Grünau as an example. The photos do not merely depict athletes and their triumphs. Rather, the photos document the close link between sports and politics, whether it be the imperial pomp of regattas in Germany or controlled, published press photos and stock images during the Nazi era. Private photographs from the Weimar Republic, in turn, reflect processes of democratization and emancipation.
Using a selection of exemplary sporting events, photographs, and photographers, these various aspects are highlighted, while also providing insight into the extensive photo collection of the Sportmuseum Berlin.
Hours
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday.
Also open during current events (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.):
- September 19, 2026 (Sat) – Flatow Cup (rowing, canoeing, sailing)
The museum is also open on the following holidays (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.):
This content has been machine translated.
Accessibility information
We don't have any accessibility information for this location.
You can find everything about accessibility at Rausgegangen here.
