Known for their dedication to renowned cultural and political figures, this is the year that Berlin is paying tribute to a variety of important cultural icons in many of its 175 museums, public spaces and open venues.  During the summer of 2009 these new openings and special showings will continue to grow. Information specifically on travel to Berlin can be obtained by visiting www.VisitBerlin.de

One important example is the exhibit titled “President Barack Obama: On the tracks of the Kennedys?” which opens at The Kennedys Museum.  This special exhibition is devoted to Barack Obama opened in May and was created to mark the new president’s first 100 days in office. This showing at Berlin’s The Kennedys Museum will feature some 50 exhibits that include many photographs by official White House photographer Pete Souza, who also accompanied Mr. Obama during his term as a U.S. Senator.

This exhibition “President Barrack Obama: On the tracks of the Kennedys?” focuses on the many parallels and connections that have been discussed that appear to exist between Obama and various Kennedy family members.  This exhibition is dedicated to explore exactly to what extent these comparisons can be  justified. With both being symbols of promoting change, Kennedy and Obama represent the dynamics and progress of a new generation who are participating in the political process. Both underscore optimism, a new perspective on forces and events and the spirit of a new beginning.  Both Obama and Kennedy have electrified people and rallied them to support this new optimism and forward thinking perspective. Images are displayed that show Obama and Kennedy in both their political as well as their private lives. Focusing on the numerous parallels drawn between the 35th and 44th Presidents of the United States, the exhibition has been designed and created to offer viewers the opportunity to draw their own conclusions on the parallels that are currently being drawn between these two US Presidents.  This exhibit is scheduled to run until August 2, 2009.  The Kennedys Museum is open daily between 10 am and 6 pm.  Admission to this unique presentation is nominal.  www.thekennedys.de

“Born to die in Berlin“, the final song of the last studio album of the world’s most influential punk band, The Ramones, was written by base player Dee Dee Ramone, who spend some of his childhood in Berlin as the son of an American GI. Berlin today boasts the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the legendary punk band. Originally founded in 2005, The Ramones Museum reopened at its new location in the fall of 2008 in Berlin-Mitte.  It features over 500 artifacts and original items spanning 20 years of The Ramones’ history, collected by museum founder Florian Hayler, who has gathered memorabilia since his first Ramones concert in 1992. The exhibit includes tour posters, T-shirts, manuscripts, guitars, as well as original clothing items. Visitors may also enjoy Café Mania, and special music programs at the museum www.ramonesmuseum.com.

The Dalí Museum (now open at Postdamer Platz) is a new museum honoring the Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. The Dalí museum offers an overview of the graphic works of the versatile surrealist, featuring more than 400 portfolios, illustrated books, sculptures, coins and three-dimensional installations. Visitors will be able to turn to experts named “Dalí scouts” for assistance in understanding the artworks that include famous as well as some lesser known works. The Dalí exhibition will be complemented by an alternating selection of over 3,000 works by the artist. www.dalimuseum.de.  Happy Traveling!