Berlin's Alphabet Museum is about to open its doors in a few short weeks
The Berlin Lettering Museum, a unique collection of over 3,500 touchable, 3D letters and signage, is facing an uncertain future. Located in a S-Bahn arch near Bellevue station, the museum houses some of the oldest and most notable objects from Berlin, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
One of the oldest pieces in the collection is a still-functioning neon sign from 1947. The collection's items range from individual letters to complete signage, made of materials such as metal, wood, porcelain, glass, and acrylic. Many objects in the collection are signage from public spaces like shops, train stations, or institutions.
The museum's focus is not just on neon letters or signage but also on the history and context of these objects. It documents shop signs, packaging, and door signs, providing a glimpse into the past of these items and their significance in their respective communities.
The Berlin Lettering Museum has been operating primarily through the efforts of a team of volunteers, who handle opening hours, transportation, and manual work. However, rising energy and operating costs cannot be covered by the museum, and visitor numbers have halved since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Founder and director Barbara Dechant has shouldered the main burden of the museum's operations. Notable items in the collection include the "Zierfische" sign from the early 1980s, the "Möbelhaus Kern" or "Tagesspiegel" names.
In a statement, Dechant emphasised the need for financial support to continue operations. The museum is currently collecting money online, including to repay COVID-19 aid. Despite these efforts, the Berlin Lettering Museum is scheduled to close on October 6, 2023.
The museum team is still considering what to do with the collection. As of now, the Berlin Lettering Museum is set to close on October 6, 2025, due to lack of regular funding and rising costs. The future of this unique collection remains uncertain.
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