CULTURAL CENTER
Potsdam has at its disposal an exceptional variety of cultural and artistic organisations and facilities, and scientific and social initiatives. The calendar of events, which is brimming with a wide choice of concerts, theatrical and dance performances and exhibitions, proves that the city has found its place in the national and internatioal cultural landscape. Even though Potsdam, with its 140,000 inhabitants, counts among Germany’s smaller federal capitals it has a rich cultural and artistic life. The events’ particular charms are in the interplay between their subject matter and the historic surroundings – the city’s centuries old heritage stands proudly vis-à-vis modernity. The city centre’s history is embodied in the Nikolai Hall, the House of Brandenburg-Prussian History and the Film Museum. On the other hand there is the new cultural site in the Schiffbauergasse (Shipwright’s alley) with all kinds of theatres and festivals which have become increasingly popular. Annual events such as the Potsdam Night of Palaces in the parks of Sanssouci or the international film students’ festival "Sehsüchte“ (a word play on longing and looking) hosted by the Academy for Film and TV, give the cultural city of Potsdam its profile.
