Since the 1970s, after the closure of the hospital—the building’s original purpose—Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien has been creating primarily thematic group exhibitions that promote social processes and dialogue within contemporary art. After much community organizing and citizens’ initiatives, Bethanien was finally dedicated as an arts space and the Kunstraum was give 450 square meters of space to hang the six annual shows they organize.

As a community space, exhibitions at Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien are usually accompanied by tours, film screenings, discussions and lectures.