Art and coffee: Grabower Bahnhof becomes a cultural hotspot!

Art and coffee: Grabower Bahnhof becomes a cultural hotspot!

Grabower Bahnhof, which had been empty for over 20 years, reopened its doors to art and was recently transformed into a vibrant place of creativity. On the occasion of the cultural program “Kunst Offen” an impressive art exhibition took place, which was noticed by a wide audience. Nine talented artists presented their works on the upper floor of the listed building, which once housed apartments. 

The former train station pub was transformed into Grabow's largest café during the event. Over several days, visitors were able to not only enjoy the art, but also chat over cake and coffee. “The response was overwhelming,” said the Kulturlabor Grabow association, which organized the exhibition. Guests even traveled from cities such as Rostock, Schwerin, Potsdam, Berlin and Bremen.

Creative commitment and neighborhood help

The idea for the art exhibition was implemented within six months. At the end of 2024, the organizers found the station owners, but they had not yet made any concrete plans for the building. With great commitment, the train station was cleared out, cleaned and repaired by helpers, working without electricity, heating or water. The neighborhood also did its part by lending a hand with lawn mowing and providing necessary water and electricity.

It was particularly pleasing that some surprises were discovered during the preparations, such as murals in the old pub and a light well. An old luggage scale, a relic of bygone times, was also on display, adding to the history of the station.

A place with history

Grabower Bahnhof, which opened on October 15, 1846, is one of the oldest train stations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and is located on the Hamburg – Berlin railway line. Its classical reception building is a listed building and tells of an eventful history. The Kulturlabor Grabow e.V. association is committed to making art accessible and preserving the history of the station.

Art in public spaces, as practiced here at Grabower Bahnhof, is becoming increasingly important. It is a medium that both connects and creates identity and encourages people to engage with their surroundings. This idea found expression in a stimulating way at Grabower Bahnhof.

The organizers are already looking to the future with total enthusiasm and are planning new events to further enliven this special place and promote culture in Grabow. Over 3,000 guests were counted during the exhibition and treated to delicacies - a clear indicator that there is a good hand for cultural projects here.

For anyone who would like to find out more about the initiative or is interested in future events, Kulturlabor Grabow's social media and website are available to spread the word. So Grabower Bahnhof remains not only a place full of history, but also a lively space for art, coffee and great feelings.

Further information is available on Northern Courier, and the events can be viewed on Off to MV be tracked. You can also find interesting background information about art in public spaces Wikipedia.