I’m going to unapologetically declare that, out of our four days in Berlin, I’ve visited Dead Chicken Alley five times—and I only discovered it on my second day here.
Like an artist to a muse, like a flame to a moth, I feel as though it’s calling me, and I love everything about it: the name, the concept and the vibe I felt when I first saw it.
The thing is, visiting Dead Chicken Alley is like peeling back layers of an artistic onion. There’s something new to discover around every corner, and although it feels like I spent more time here than anywhere else, I’ve barely scratched the surface.
You enter Dead Chicken Alley through one of those dark, mysterious entrances to a courtyard. If I remember correctly, there’s no sign to identify it. The alley is lined with movie posters, which made me wonder: Are there movie theatres nearby?
So, what does one do in Dead Chicken Alley?
Absorb Art—be the art, blend into the art.
The first thing you’ll notice in Dead Chicken Alley is the art. It’s everywhere: colourful, vibrant, and constantly changing. The alley is a living, breathing canvas. If you’re into art, especially street art and photography, you could easily spend hours here, taking it all in.
You can even buy art from a vending machine, making it a unique souvenir to take home. But if you’re more selective and don’t want a random souvenir, head straight to the three-story building at the back.
Support Local Artists
At the back of Dead Chicken Alley, a staircase leads to more art you can purchase and take home. The space is divided into two sections.
Second Floor
The second floor features many prints from various artists. The seller isn’t particularly friendly, but some of the collections are worth the visit.
I picked up some stickers, postcards, and a print for Jik and Liz.
I was on the fence about buying original art from here.
The reason I kept returning, as I told Fafa, was that I liked the idea of it, but I wasn’t sure because:
It was pretty expensive, the piece I liked didn’t fit with the theme of my home, and I couldn’t properly examine the art installations because they were hung up. From my experience buying stickers, I knew the lady at the cashier wasn’t particularly friendly, and I didn’t want to get yelled at in Germany! Lastly, I wasn’t sure how I’d pack it or carry it around to other countries before flying home. But the main reason I didn’t buy it was that it just wasn’t love at first sight. When it comes to these things, as Farooq once coined when we met years ago, it’s a matter of the heart. It doesn’t need to be explained—you just have to love it. And I didn’t feel that… well, not until I saw the art on the third floor.
Third Floor
On the last day in Berlin, after spending a full hour on the second floor and not buying anything (which I’m sure didn’t please the lady tending the store), I decided to check out what was upstairs. I had no idea there would be another store—I thought it would just be an open area or have a “no entry” sign.
Instead, I found a smaller, more goth-style store selling mostly canvas-printed art, clothes, and tote bags—definitely more of Fafa’s style. I texted him to meet me there and browsed while waiting for him. That’s when I saw Takuraka’s art, and I immediately wanted it. It was printed on canvas, so I could pack it easily.
When I spoke to the much younger girl managing the store, she told me the artist was Japanese (which made sense to me, explaining why I liked it). He had been living in Berlin but had recently moved back to Japan with his family for his kids’ schooling. She mentioned that the Berlin art scene was missing him dearly. She kindly helped pack my art with extra protection and even gave me a free art souvenir.
The Dead Chicken Gallery
Back on the second floor, there was an exhibition going on. Even if you’re not particularly into print art, it’s still a thought-provoking place to check out.
Visit the Anne Frank Museum
Another part of Dead Chicken Alley that I highly recommend is the Anne Frank Museum. While it may not be as famous as the one in the Jewish Quarter, I think you should visit to learn more about her. I discovered so many new things—like how her diary actually has a checkered red cover—a tiny detail I had never known and one I’d carried the wrong image of for years.
You also get to post a secret, use the toilet, and drink water—but when you’re in Berlin and Dead Chicken Alley, you don’t drink water—you drink German beer.
Have a German Beer in the Artsy Open-Air Courtyard
There are at least two bars in Dead Chicken Alley, and the one that was open when we were there was near the entrance.
On our last day in Berlin, we ended up eavesdropping on a fascinating conversation between two newly made foreign friends who were speaking in English and planning their trip. It was such an interesting exchange to overhear, and it somehow felt like a common occurrence in Dead Chicken Alley.
Dead Chicken Alley is a Berlin icon.
In a parallel universe, I’d be a tall German girl carrying a tote bag everywhere, living within walking distance of Dead Chicken Alley.
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