The Museum of Letters (Buchstabenmuseum) in Berlin is a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated to preserving the city’s typographic heritage. Founded in 2005, it showcases over 1,000 rescued letters, logos, and signs from public spaces, transforming discarded signage into cultural artifacts. Housed in the railway arches of the Hansaviertel, the museum offers a vibrant journey through Berlin’s visual history, from neon shopfronts to iconic department store emblems. Highlights include the “Titania” cinema letters, the “Tagesspiegel” logo, and an “E” featured in Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds. Exhibits are grouped by color and style, revealing the craftsmanship behind each piece. Visitors can explore the stories behind the signs, attend neon workshops, and even download a custom font inspired by the collection. As Berlin’s urban landscape evolves, the Museum of Letters stands as a creative archive, celebrating the artistry and memory embedded in everyday typography.
Berlin GermanyThe Museum of Letters, known as the Buchstabenmuseum, is located at Holzmarktstraße 66 in Berlin-Mitte, near the vibrant Alexanderplatz area. Housed in a unique space beneath the railway arches, the museum showcases an extensive collection of historic letters, signs, and typographic artifacts rescued from Berlin’s cityscape and beyond. Visitors can explore hundreds of large-scale letters and logos, many illuminated in neon, each telling a story about the city’s cultural and commercial history. The museum appeals to design enthusiasts, historians, and anyone fascinated by typography and urban heritage. Nearby, you’ll find the bustling Alexanderplatz with its iconic TV Tower, as well as the nearby Museumsinsel (Museum Island), home to world-class museums. The area is well connected by public transport, including the S-Bahn and U-Bahn at Jannowitzbrücke and Alexanderplatz stations. The Buchstabenmuseum’s location in the heart of Berlin’s creative Mitte district makes it an inspiring stop for those interested in graphic design, advertising history, and the evolving visual language of the city.