Filmpark Babelsberg

Studio Babelsberg began production in 1912 and is generally described as the oldest large-scale film studio in the world still operating. Fritz Lang's Metropolis was made here in the 1920s, and the studio has since hosted many international productions. The Filmpark, opened in 1991 on part of the site, is a visitor park rather than the working studio: it holds standing sets including a rebuilt Berlin street, a stunt show in an arena, a 4D cinema, prop and costume displays and demonstrations of effects work. The active studio next door is not open to the public, and what is on show changes with what has recently been produced.

History

In 1911 the film company Deutsche Bioscop bought the present site at Babelsberg and built its first glasshouse studio, designed to use natural light. The company had been formed by Jules Greenbaum in 1899 and incorporated in 1902, and in February 1908 Carl Schleussner, who had made negative film stock for X-ray photography since 1896, bought a majority share, buying out the Greenbaums' remaining share in 1909 (Wikipedia, Babelsberg Studio).

Highlights

• The standing sets - built streets and facades used in productions.
• The stunt show - a live arena performance with effects.
• The prop collection - costumes, models and equipment from past films.
• The studio history - a company producing continuously since 1912.

When to go

April to October; the park closes for winter, roughly November to March. School holidays are busy. Shows run to a daily timetable posted at the entrance.

Good to know

The working studio is closed to visitors; this is a themed park beside it. It closes for the winter months. Shows are in German.

Nearby

Potsdam lies west; Berlin is northeast.

Key facts