Well.... so much potential, so much FAIL.
Now, granted I visited midweek in October so there were no festivals or concerts happening... but really. A site of this cultural significance has to attract more than just German speaking people to its walls... the local history museum had some really interesting artifacts, but I couldn't figure out what most of them were.
Wins: The Julius tower. You can climb to the top and see some nice views. The art exhibit in Bastion Kronprinz was great (although WHY you need to buy a ticket to a show where the work is FOR SALE is beyond me). Nice space. Sadly, the nicest part of the whole complex.
Haus 4 apparently has a number of artisans and a theater inside, they were mostly closed (not that I blame them - little or no traffic). Good use of the space and I'm sure a great place when its a bit more 'happening'. The glass artisans were in, and they have nice work - and were actually working. A musical instrument shop is also there, and a photo gallery.
Fail Bits: So many parts of the place are closed off or locked up tight. Even the walk way from Bastion Kronprinz to Bastion Brandenburg shows as part of the designated path, but was closed Seriously? Lame.
The collection of statues from the Avenue of Victory was amazing - but, sadly locked away behind a fence where you couldn't see most of them. WTF? The coolest stuff was unreachable.
Also: Up on Bastion Konig were two markers, seemingly grave stones - no info, no explanation. Seriously people, step it up a bit.
There is a restaurant, no idea if its any good.
The staff seemed truly bored.
I'm not unhappy about visiting, I'm just unhappy that the experience was so lackluster. Could have been awesome. read more