Your Visit to BAUBAU
Sensory Balls: Designed to stimulate touch and coordination.
Natural Elements: Natural sponges and other non-toxic items that are safe for exploration, including taste.
Free-Form Plastic Materials: Non-toxic and safe for creative play.
Modular Spaces: We have the option to create small, enclosed areas where children can retreat for a quieter, more private experience.
If your child prefers a quieter environment, we recommend visiting BAUBAU on weekdays.
What is SommerBAUBAU?
SommerBAUBAU is our outdoor play space, welcoming you to play in the outdoor pavilion of Gropius Bau from July to September. Like BAUBAU, SommerBAUBAU is a place for free play, where children can independently play and experiment with clay and water – without instructions and at their own pace. There is also a crawling area for younger children, as well as seating for resting and relaxing.
Will clothes get dirty?
Yes! Playing with clay definitely leaves its mark – and that is all part of the experience. Please dress your little ones in clothes that can get dirty and bring a change of clothes and a towel. Children play in the clay without shoes.
Where can we wash our children after playing?
There is a washing station in the SommerBAUBAU pavilion where you can rinse off the clay after playing. Please use this designated area for cleaning up; the toilets inside the building are not intended for washing.
Can children play in the clay without clothes?
No. The clay pit is not intended for unclothed play, so please make sure that children wear clothing while playing
Should we bring anything?
In addition to a change of clothes and a towel, we recommend bringing sun cream, plenty of water to drink, and, if needed, a lock for your buggy or pram.
Is there somewhere to eat on site?
Yes. Outside the pavilion, you will find colourful picnic tables where you can eat, relax and take a break.
Can we take our clay creations home?
No. SommerBAUBAU is conceived as a space for shared, ongoing play and experimentation. Everything you build from clay stays on site, allowing other children to continue working on it, alter it, or create something new during future visits.
Who designed the play space?
Like BAUBAU, SommerBAUBAU was designed by the artist Kerstin Brätsch.
Where can we find SommerBAUBAU?
SommerBAUBAU is located in the red wooden pavilion in the outdoor area of Gropius Bau. The entrance can be found on the side of the building facing Stresemannstraße, to the right of Gropius Bau’s the main entrance.
Where can we park prams and buggies?
Prams and buggies can be parked outside SommerBAUBAU next to the bicycle racks.
Where are the toilets and changing facilities?
You can use the outdoor toilets located on the summer terrace of our restaurant Beba. Changing facilities, as well as all-gender and children’s toilets, are available on the lower ground floor of Gropius Bau.
What happens if it suddenly starts to rain at SommerBAUBAU?
Each morning, we decide based on the weather forecast whether activities will take place indoors or outdoors. Moving between SommerBAUBAU and BAUBAU during the day is not planned. This means that the decision made in the morning remains in effect for the entire day, even if the weather later develops differently than forecast.
Is SommerBAUBAU open during very hot weather?
If very high temperatures (above 32°C) are forecast, SommerBAUBAU will remain closed for that day and activities will be moved indoors to BAUBAU on the ground floor.
When can we visit SommerBAUBAU?
You can visit SommerBAUBAU daily (except Tuesdays) during the following time slots:
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 12.00–13.30 / 14.00–16.00 / 16.30–18.00
Sat & Sun: 10.00–12.00 / 12.30–15.00 / 15.30–18.00
Is admission to SommerBAUBAU free?
Yes. SommerBAUBAU is free of charge for children and one accompanying adult.
Do we need a time slot ticket for SommerBAUBAU?
For the summer season, we are placing greater emphasis on walk-in visits and fewer advance reservations, so you are very welcome to visit spontaneously. A limited number of tickets will also be available for advance booking.
How many people can take part at the same time?
SommerBAUBAU is slightly smaller than our ground-floor play space and can accommodate around 75 people. Please note that waiting times may occur due to limited capacity.
Does SommerBAUBAU take place outdoors in bad weather?
SommerBAUBAU takes place outdoors from July to September daily (except Tuesdays) when weather conditions are favourable. If the forecast for a particular day is less suitable (temperatures below 20°C, an increased chance of rain, or unstable weather conditions), the activity will be moved indoors.
Can daycare and school groups visit SommerBAUBAU?
Yes. Like BAUBAU, SommerBAUBAU opens exclusively to daycare and school groups on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00 during the warmer months. Please register at least 10 days in advance viathe Museumsdienst website.
Can we leave our children at SommerBAUBAU while we visit exhibitions in Gropius Bau?
No. As with BAUBAU, the accompanying adult remains responsible for supervising the child at all times. Our playworkers are also present on site. They are trained professionals who support and facilitate play, helping to create a safe and welcoming environment for children. However, they do not provide childcare.
Are we allowed to take pictures?
It is not permitted to take pictures in SommerBAUBAU.