On the border of Mitte and Wedding lies Brunnenviertel, a neighborhood renowned for its inviting green spaces and tranquil, pedestrian-friendly courtyards. As dusk settles, a soft, romantic glow emanates from the area’s distinctive spherical streetlamps. But there’s a clever twist to that. Look closely, and you’ll discover that many of these lamps are wearing hats. These are the Nightcaps, a brilliant public art installation that is both functional and fantastical.
I was walking around the area with my friends from Canal Alemanizando when they told me about this unusual art project in Berlin. And we decided we had to go find all the sculptures in this project.
The more we saw, the more I fell in love with this whimsical installation, and here I’m sharing what I learned about the project.
Nightcaps: The Whimsical Art Installation Tackling Light Pollution in Berlin
The project is the brainchild of visual artist Alona Rodeh, a resident of Brunnenviertel, who saw an opportunity for change. While the globe-like lamps provided a gentle ambiance, they also cast light in every direction, contributing to the growing issue of urban light pollution. This excess light disrupts the biological rhythms of both people and wildlife.
Alona Rodeh’s solution was to create a series of unique, sculptural Nightcaps that sit directly on top of the lamps. These whimsical creations ensure light is directed downwards where it’s needed, illuminating pathways without washing out the night sky.
Crafted from 3D-printed recycled plastic, each of the Nightcaps tells its own story. The designs are a vibrant reflection of the community itself, and they are more fun than I expected them to be when we started looking for them. This happened because, before the project took shape, residents were invited to share their ideas, suggest their own designs, and choose locations for the artworks. This collective spirit has resulted in a collection of sculptures that feel deeply interconnected to the neighborhood’s identity.
A walk through the green courtyards reveals a playful cast of characters. You might spot “Extra Hot,” a design inspired by the basketball players in nearby Mauerpark who wrap their sweaty shirts around their heads. Another, “The Herb Woman,” fittingly resides near a community garden. “The Voyager” sits in a densely overgrown courtyard that evokes a jungle, representing the constant journey of discovery that defines life in Berlin.
These clever sculptures give the district a new charm, creating a cozy and tight atmosphere after dark. It gets darker but not gloomy; instead, it feels like home.
This ingenious series of works is more than just street decoration; it’s a conversation starter about how we live in our cities. It explores how practical design and artistic expression can be combined to address a modern environmental issue.
The artist, Alona Rodeh, who has long focused on the effects of light in public spaces, collaborated with the local housing company degewo AG to bring the Nightcaps to life, first installing ten of them in late 2023 in Berlin. However, it all began in Stuttgart in 2021, as you can read about it here.
Looking for Unique Art in Berlin? Hunt for the “Nightcaps” in Wedding
For any traveler seeking art off the beaten path, a visit to see the Nightcaps is a must. Especially because they are located so close to the Mauerpark, and many people visit the area every week. The installation is open to the public at all times, completely free, and barrier-free. Alona Rodeh has also expressed plans to offer “night walks” in the future, which would be a fantastic way to experience the full effect of the sculptures.
Exploring Brunnenviertel in the evening to hunt for these charming artworks offers a unique glimpse into the creative soul of Berlin, highlighting how a simple, brilliant idea can make a world of difference.
Use the map below to find all the Nightcaps, or click here to see them on Google Maps. If I can leave you with some advice: go there later in the day so you can see how the light is affected by the sculptures. I got there too early, and the pictures here could be a bit more interesting.
