KBB Principles and House Rules

Kulturveranstaltungen des Bundes in Berlin GmbH (KBB) exists to support artistic excellence, cultural exchange and democratic dialogue. We host over 3000 events and welcome approximately one million visitors each year. Through our institutions and programmes, we create spaces in which people from diverse backgrounds can encounter one another, engage with different perspectives and jointly participate in cultural life.

Our Principles  

  • Artistic freedom is essential to an open and democratic society. We support the freedom of artists to explore challenging and contested subjects as much as unusual aesthetics. We advise our visitors that art may provoke, question and unsettle.  
  • The dignity of all people is equally inviolable. We are committed to fostering an environment in which everyone can participate free from harassment, intimidation or exclusion, and we invite all our visitors to contribute to this by treating others with courtesy and respect for their personal boundaries. We reject sexism, antisemitism, racism, anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Roma discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and all other forms of group-based hostility and discrimination.  
  • Democratic culture of debate requires freedom of speech, critical ability and openness to a plurality of perspectives. We support the open exchange of ideas and positions in controversial debates, within the framework of German law. Visitors are asked to refrain from deliberately disrupting events in ways that prevent others from participating. 
  • We also underline that the views expressed by artists, speakers, participants or guests are their own and do not always reflect those of KBB or its institutions. 

Our House Rules 

To help ensure that everybody can participate safely and comfortably in KBB events and venues, we ask our visitors to observe the following rules: 

Safety and Security 

  • Visitors must comply with the instructions of KBB staff and security personnel. 
  • For security reasons, bags, coats and other items may be inspected upon entry. Larger items must be deposited in the cloakroom where required. 
  • Weapons, pyrotechnics, hazardous substances, illegal drugs and other dangerous items are prohibited. 
  • In the event of an emergency or evacuation, all visitors must follow staff instructions immediately. 

Access to Venues 

  • Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vapes, is prohibited except in designated areas. 
  • Visitors who are visibly under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be refused admission or asked to leave the venue 
  • Animals are not permitted unless required for medical or accessibility reasons. 
  • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult unless otherwise specified. Further age restrictions for single events or exhibitions may occur and will be communicated at the entrances. 

During Events and Exhibitions 

  • Mobile phones should be switched to silent mode. Excessive noise and phone conversations inside event and exhibition spaces should be avoided. 
  • Food and drink may only be consumed in designated areas unless otherwise indicated. 
  • Photography, filming and audio recording are permitted only where expressly allowed. Additional restrictions may apply for copyright, artistic or production reasons. 

Right to One’s Own Image 

If film or photo images should be recorded for the purposes of news coverage or advertisement during events hosted by KBB, these recordings may not be hampered or impaired in any way. By entering the venue of assembly, visitors who may be recognised on film or photos agree to the use of these images for purposes of news coverage about this event or exhibition and agree that no claims against KBB can be made. 

Liability 

Visitors are responsible for any damage caused through intentional or negligent behaviour. Teachers, group leaders, parents and other legal guardians are responsible for the appropriate behaviour of all children and people in their charge. 

The provisions of German law, including youth protection regulations, apply at all KBB venues.

By entering a KBB venue, visitors agree to comply with these KBB Principles and House Rules. We reserve the right to refuse entry, or to ask anyone to leave who is not. 

We look forward to welcoming you and are happy to assist you at any time. If you wish to share feedback, suggestions, or complaints, please find the relevant contact details on the websites of our respective venues, or you may address our onsite staff.