Where do we find BAUBAU? You will find the entrance to BAUBAU in our atrium on the ground floor.
How do we get into BAUBAU with a pram or pushchair? For prams or pushchairs, we recommend using our accessible entrance. It’s located to the left of the main entrance to Gropius Bau and marked with a sign. Simply ring the bell, and our staff will be happy to let you in.
Where can we park pushchairs and prams? Please take pushchairs and prams with you to BAUBAU on the ground floor. Next to BAUBAU is the BAUBAU cloakroom where you can park them.
What measures does BAUBAU have in place to ensure accessibility for all visitors? BAUBAU is accessible without physical barriers. For detailed information about accessibility at Gropius Bau, please view our Accessibility Information. Please note that the playrooms can sometimes be noisy. If you or the child that you are accompanying are sensitive to loud sounds, noise-isolating headphones can be borrowed. Please ask the playworkers for assistance.
On Site
Are there changing facilities? Yes, there are changing facilities in the basement of Gropius Bau.
Is there space on site to eat something? You are welcome to eat and drink in the area of the BAUBAU cloakroom, but please refrain from doing so in the playrooms for hygiene reasons.
What is the recommended age range for visiting this space? BAUBAU is recommended from age 3, but it is open for all kids.
Is there anything we should bring to BAUBAU? Please ensure to bring anti-slip socks with you. If you forget them, you can ask the playworkers on site.
Do we as accompanying adults also need to wear anti-slip socks? No. If you want, you can wear regular socks. We kindly ask you to take off your shoes in the entry area and store them in the shoe racks provided.
Where can we park prams? Right next to BAUBAU on the ground floor is the BAUBAU cloakroom, where you can park pushchairs and buggies. There is also space for your jackets, coats and bags.
Can we visit other exhibitions while the children are at BAUBAU? No, please stay with the child you are visiting us with at all times. The accompanying adult is responsible for supervising the child during the entire visit.
Can we join the children playing? BAUBAU is designed to foster a mode of free and uninstructed play for children. While you are welcome to join the children, we encourage you to take a more observational role. This approach allows children to explore and play on their own terms, following their own ideas. By stepping back, you can support a more independent and imaginative play experience for the children.
Where should we as accompanying adults wait? You are welcome to make yourself comfortable in BAUBAU and watch the children play. The room offers various seating options; you also have access to our free WLAN KBB.Public.
Can an adult without children visit BAUBAU? We created BAUBAU for kids. If too many adults visit while they are playing, it can change the feel of this space. We want to respect the privacy of children and their play so we prefer that no lone adults visit the space while play sessions are happening. However, between the hours of 18:00 to 19:00, you are welcome to visit BAUBAU without children.
Can we bring our own toys? We kindly ask yout not to bring personal toys or equipment to ensure a consistent and safe play environment for all children.
Can we bring home some of the loose parts or objects from BAUBAU? We kindly ask you to not remove items from the play space.
What happens if an object breaks? Please inform our staff if any equipment breaks. We will handle repairs or replacements as needed.
What types of equipment are available? BAUBAU includes a variety of equipment such as abstract structures, designed walls and loose parts: open-ended material which are elements and things from everyday life such as kitchenware and crafts material including cardboard, paper, fabric, rope, tape and many other items that encourage creativity and physical activity.
Will BAUBAU host workshops? No, BAUBAU is primarily a space for free play.
Ticket Information
Do we need to book a time slot ticket in advance and pick up the ticket at the ticket desk? No, you can also visit BAUBAU spontaneously within the specified time slots – however, waiting times may occur. If you want to ensure your visit at your preferred time, we recommend to book a free time slot ticket in advance. Tickets are always available from Monday at 12:00 for the same week including the following Monday.
When can we visit BAUBAU? You can visit BAUBAU 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 and Sun: 10:00–13:00 / 13:30–15:30 / 16:00–18:00
Can we cancel or change our booking? Please cancel tickets that you no longer need so that other children can visit BAUBAU on that day. Simply reply to the order confirmation email in which you received your digital tickets and let us know. Changes to the booking are not possible, but you are welcome to book a new time slot ticket.
Can we bring an extra child with a single reservation? We kindly ask you to reserve one ticket per child.
Can an extra adult person join with a single reservation? No, one ticket grants entry for one child and one accompanying adult. If you would like a second adult to join, you can purchase an additional accompanying ticket for 4 euros at our ticket desk on site. Please note that the number of accompanying tickets is limited.
Group Information
When can daycare and school groups visit? On Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00, BAUBAU is exclusively open for daycare and school groups with prior registration. Please sign up at least 10 days in advance through the Museumdienstwebsite.
Can we host birthday celebrations at BAUBAU? BAUBAU is designed as a public space where we aim to provide equal attention and play opportunities to all children. You are welcome to visit and celebrate a children’s birthday party, provided it doesn’t disrupt the experience we offer to all children at BAUBAU. Since BAUBAU declines the concept of “mine”, we kindly ask you to refrain from bringing presents or toys. Please reserve free tickets online. One ticket is valid for one child and their accompanying adult.
Inclusion
How does BAUBAU foster a diverse and inclusive environment for all? BAUBAU is accessible without physical barriers and free of charge. We offer a variety of materials and elements that engage multisensory experiences, such as: Sensory Balls: Designed to stimulate touch and coordination. Natural Elements: Pine cones and other non-toxic items that are safe for exploration, including taste. Free-Form Plastic Materials: Non-toxic and safe for creative play. Bean Bags: Comfortable seating options for rest or quiet play. Noise-Making Instruments: Tools and objects that produce sounds to engage auditory senses. Modular Spaces: We have the option to create small, enclosed areas where children can retreat for a quieter, more private experience.
Safety and Supervision
Can we visit other exhibitions while the children are at BAUBAU? Children may only enter BAUBAU when accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults are responsible for supervising children for the duration of their visit.
How are playworkers trained? Playworkers come with an educational background in pedagogy and have experience with children. They undergo specialised training to ensure they provide safe and engaging play experiences. In addition to their professional training and pedagogical expertise, they complete in-house training, which includes first aid, fire and evacuation procedures, child protection with the training team of Wildwasser and a specialised workshop on free play led by Dr. Suzanna Law from Pop-UpAdventure Play, an expert in the field.
Which measures is Gropius Bau taking to ensure that BAUBAU is safe? The Gropius Bau upholds rigorous safety standards, encompassing child protection and risk assesment protocols and regular equipment inspections. A team of skilled playworkers is dedicated to maintaining a secure environment. Additionally, a child protection concept will be implemented in collaboration with the training team of Wildwasser.
Can we come to BAUBAU if a child is feeling ill on the same day? We kindly ask you to refrain from coming to the space if the child is ill.
Can we take photos at BAUBAU? Taking photos inside BAUBAU during play hours is strictly forbidden. Wednesday to Monday between 18:00 and 19:00, BAUBAU can be visited by everyone. In this period, you are welcome to take pictures of the space.
Concept und Context
Is BAUBAU an artwork? BAUBAU is not an artwork; it is a dynamic play space designed by the artist Kerstin Brätsch specifically for children. This vibrant environment is intended to be an engaging area where children can explore and interact freely. Elements designed by the artist are available for this purpose. Together with loose materials, they can be used by the children according to their own ideas. These materials are meant to be reconfigured by the kids. The focus is on the process and not on the end result or the product. The space is designed to encourage spontaneity and creativity, embracing moments of chance. The play space should make it possible for the children to fully engage in their own imaginative processes. Kerstin Brätsch’s design for BAUBAU incorporates elements from her own work, including marblings, paintings and stucco pieces that reappear at the play space in various guises and new materials.
What does free play mean? Free play refers to unstructured, child-led play where children explore and create without specific guidelines or directions.
What is a playworker? A playworker is a trained individual who supports and facilitates play, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children.
Enquiries and Feedback
I would like to work as a playworker. Where can I apply? Applications are only possible during certain periods. Please check our job portal.
How can we give feedback on BAUBAU? You are welcome to send any feedback via e-mail.