Berlin's Alphabet Museum is mere weeks from opening

The Berlin Letter Museum, a unique repository of historical letters and signs, is set to close its doors on October 6, 2025. The museum, located in a S-Bahn arch near the Bellevue station, has been a treasure trove for those interested in the evolution of written communication and the city's rich history.

Founder and director, Barbara Dechant, shared this information with Deutsche Presse-Agentur. The collection, comprising approximately 3,500 letters and signs, spans materials such as metal, wood, porcelain, glass, and acrylic. Items from Berlin, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are part of the museum's diverse collection.

The museum's focus is on the built, 3D, touchable letters, not just the neon or lit signs. One of the highlights is a still-functioning neon sign from 1947. Other notable pieces include the "Zierfische" sign from a shop at the Frankfurter Tor, and signs like "Möbelhaus Kern" and "Tagesspiegel." The largest letters in the collection measure up to three meters.

Despite its significance, the museum has not received institutional or regular funding. Rising energy and operating costs cannot be covered. The museum's team of volunteers handles opening hours, transports, and manual work. Visitor numbers at the museum have halved since the COVID-19 pandemic, further straining the museum's resources.

In an effort to secure its future, the museum is currently collecting money online, including to repay COVID-19 aid. However, the museum's future remains uncertain. As of now, there is no publicly available information about a new location for the Berlin Schriftmuseum after its closure.

Barbara Dechant carries the main burden of the museum's operations. She shared her concerns about the museum's closure, "The loss of this museum would be a significant blow to the city's cultural landscape. We are hoping for a solution that ensures the preservation of our unique collection."

The Berlin Letter Museum's collection documents not only the letters and signs but also their history and context. It serves as a testament to the city's past and a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. As its doors close, we can only hope for a brighter future for this invaluable collection.