Guidlines for filming and taking photographs in the Humboldt Forum im Berliner Schloss

The Stiftung Humboldt Forum im Berliner Schloss (hereafter SHF) in conjunction with other institutional actors – the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz, the Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin – facilitates the Humboldt Forum’s usage as a cultural venue in line with the purpose for which it was conceived.

SHF owns the land (Attachment 1) on which the Humboldt Forum is situated and is thereby entitled to determine the policy on filming and taking photographs on its property. The following regulations provide information on when permission is required to film and take photographs. Copyright laws, privacy rights, and conservatorial restrictions should be taken into account when filming and taking photographs.

Recordings are generally permitted in outdoor and indoor areas of the Humboldt Forum for the purpose of media coverage. For organizational, technical, and conservatorial reasons we ask that you let us know in advance by contacting [email protected] or by using the online application forms listed below.

I. Exhibition of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin Preußischer Kulturbesitz:
Ethnologisches Museum and Museum für Asiatische Kunst
(2nd and 3rd floors, see Attachment 2, area shown in red)

If you are planning a photo or film shoot for the purpose of media coverage in an exhibition at the Ethnologisches Museum and the Museum für Asiatische Kunst, please fill in the online application form linked here.

 II. Exhibition of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin:
Humboldt Lab “After Nature” (1st floor, see Attachment 2, area shown in purple)

In the Humboldt Lab, filming and taking photographs – and the publication of such material –for the purpose of media coverage or for directly promoting the exhibition or its contents is only possible if you have prior permission. You can find the online application form here.

 III. Exhibition of the Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin:
Berlin Exhibition “BERLIN GLOBAL” (1st floor, see Attachment 2, area shown in yellow)

In BERLIN GLOBAL, photographs and film recordings for current reporting or direct promotion of the exhibition and its formats may only be made and published with permission. Please send enquiries by email to [email protected]. Pictograms in front of special motifs indicate that film and photo shoots are not permitted here.

I. Outdoor areas
(Schlüterhof courtyard, Passage, Spreeterrasse, etc., see Attachment 1, area shown in yellow)

Filming and taking photographs is permitted for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Tripods and flash photography may be used. Aerial shots and recordings that rely on additional technology (e.g. ladders, spotlights, umbrella reflectors) and additional staff (e.g. models, make-up artists, stylists, assistants) require prior permission from SHF. The application form can be found online here. Please submit your application for a permit to [email protected] at least 14 days before the planned photo/film shoot. SHF generally charges a user fee when permission is granted.

II. Indoor areas 

1. Exhibition of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin Preußischer Kulturbesitz:
Ethnologisches Museum and Museum für Asiatische Kunst (2nd and 3rd floors, see Attachment 2, area shown in red)

Visitors are permitted to take photographs for their own private use in the exhibition at the Ethnologisches Museum and at the Museum für Asiatische Kunst. In accordance with point VI of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin’s regulations, any and all commercial utilization of photographs and film recordings made in the museum requires prior permission. Please fill in the online form linked here  if you wish to obtain a permit to film and take photographs. Click here to find the guidelines for filming and taking photographs in the Ethnologisches Museum and the Museum für Asiatische Kunst of the Staatliche Museen im Humboldt Forum.

2. Exhibition of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin:
Humboldt Lab “After Nature” (1st floor, see Attachment 2, area shown in purple)

Any and all instances of taking photographs or making film recordings is prohibited, whether for private or commercial purposes. Such recordings are only possible with prior permission as described above in (B).

3. Exhibition of the Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin
Berlin Exhibition “Berlin Global” (1st floor, see Attachment 2, area shown in yellow)

Due to conflicting third-party rights, any and all photographic or film recordings are strictly prohibited, whether for private or commercial purposes.

4. Exhibitions of SHF as well as all other indoor areas of the Humboldt Forum (e.g. foyer, staircases, see Attachment 2, area shown in light grey) and the Roof Terrace (4th floor, see Attachment 2, area shown in light grey)

Photographic and film recordings are permitted for non-commercial, private purposes. The use of tripods is not permitted indoors. The objects in the exhibition display areas are sensitive to light and may only be photographed without the use of flash. Photographic and film recordings that rely on additional technology (e.g. ladders, spotlights, umbrella reflectors) and additional staff (e.g. models, make-up artists, stylists, assistants) or are for commercial purposes require prior permission from SHF. The application form can be found online here. Please submit your application for a permit to [email protected] at least 14 days before the planned photo/film shoot or audio recordings. SHF generally charges a user fee when permission is granted.

Liability is governed by the statutory regulations. If a permit for filming or taking photographs needs to be obtained from SHF, the following additional regulations apply. Should SHF request proof of adequate liability insurance, this must be provided. SHF assumes no liability for any potential obstructions to the photo/film shoot caused by construction work or events.

SHF is exempt from claims for damages made by third parties against SHF in connection with the recordings. Damages against SHF can only be asserted insofar as they are based on intent or gross negligence by SHF or its agents/proxies. This limitation of liability does not apply to damages resulting from loss of life, physical injury, or health impairment; should there be intent or gross negligence in such cases, SHF (and its agents/proxies) bears unlimited liability.

These guidelines come into effect by decision of the SHF board. The board approved the guidelines on 8 August 2022.