The House of World Cultures
Serving as Germany's centre for non-European art, The House of World Cultures calls Berlin home. The museum is actually housed in Berlin's architectural landmark, the former Congress Hall. The hall, also known as ìThe Pregnant Oyster,î is next to the Carillon in Berlin-Tiergarten and the Chancellelry. The name Pregnant Oytser is derived from the exterior appearance of the hall which does resemble the shell fish. In fact it appears to be a giant oyster opening its top half to peer out. The structure was built about half way through the 20th Century. Its construction was funded by the City of Berlin and the United States of America. The goal at the time was to build a location where people of different backgrounds would learn about other cultures. The House of World Cultures has its own carillon that was built to commemorate the 750th birthday of the City of Berlin. It features 68 bells.Essentially, the center's function today is to serve as a meeting place of cultures from around the world. Specifically it focuses on the history and heritage of cultures from Africa, South America and Asia. These cultures are interpreted through art, music and stories hosted at the hall.
