How do we get into BAUBAU with a pram or pushchair – is there a step-free entry? There is an entrance easily accessible with prams and pushchairs on the left side from the main entrance, marked by a sign. You can ring a bell and our staff will be happy to let you in. Please park the prams and pushchairs right next to the BAUBAU entrance on the ground floor.
What measures does BAUBAU have in place to ensure accessibility for all visitors? BAUBAU is accessible and has a step-free entry to ensure that everyone can enjoy the space. 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? In the BAUBAU cloakroom you are welcome to eat and drink there, but please refrain from doing so in the playrooms for hygiene reasons.
What is the recommended age range for visiting this space? The children who will enjoy this space the most are between the ages of 3 to 12. This is simply a recommendation – younger and older children can still enjoy the space.
Can we visit other exhibitions while the children are at BAUBAU? Children may only enter BAUBAU when accompanied by one adult. The accompanying adult is responsible for supervising the child for the duration of their visit.
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.
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 enter BAUBAU with the children and are encouraged to observe the children play. The space features various seating options, including foam elements designed by Kerstin Brätsch as well as seat cushions. In the entrance area of BAUBAU, there is a designated seating area for you to wait comfortably while the children play. You also have access to our free WiFi at BAUBAU.
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 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? Please reserve a free time slot ticket in advance. Tickets are always available from Monday at 12:00 for the same week including the following Monday. You will receive a digital time slot ticket and can proceed directly to the entrance of BAUBAU. Please note that the ticket loses its validity 30 minutes after the start of the booked time slot. In the event of a delay of more than 30 minutes, admission can only be granted if there is still free capacity.
I booked a time slot ticket but I’m running late. Can I stay longer? Each time slot has a fixed duration, but you are welcome to book an additional slot if needed. Extensions are subject to availability. Please note that the ticket loses its validity 30 minutes after the start of the booked time slot. In the event of a delay of more than 30 minutes, admission can only be granted if there is still free capacity.
Can I cancel or change my 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 I 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. With the accompanying ticket, a reduced ticket for the exhibition Rirkrit Tiravanija: DAS GLÜCK IST NICHT IMMER LUSTIG can be purchased for the price of 6 euros.
Group Information
When can daycare and school groups visit? Unfortunately, all exclusive time slots for daycare and school groups are booked until the end of January 2025. BAUBAU will be closed during February 2025 and will re-open in March. You are welcome to book a time slot for spring 2025 once our booking system re-opens next year. Please contact us via e-mail if you have any questions.
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. Please reserve free tickets online. One ticket is valid for one child and their accompanying adult.
Inclusion
What initiatives does BAUBAU implement to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for all? BAUBAU is wheelchair accessible 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.
Is BAUBAU accessible for children with diverse abilities (physical, cognitive, etc.)? Are the playworkers trained to support children who need extra care? We’d be happy to provide you with more details. Please reach out to us via e-mail for specific information and assistance.
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 your 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? We accept applications year-round at our job portal. In case of questions, please contact us via e-mail.
Is there an email to send feedback? Yes, please send any feedback via e-mail.