Dear friends, colleagues, and guests,
on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 11 a.m., the new burial and memorial site for LGBTQI* individuals by Schwulenberatung Berlin will be inaugurated at Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof in Berlin.
We are very pleased that we – Ulrich Vogl together with Christoph Wagner – were able to develop the artistic concept for this site. The winning design emerged from a competition held in the summer of 2025.
A central element is a wall approximately 10 meters long along Monumentenstraße, which was rebuilt after its collapse. It consists of 27 differently colored bricks from various brickworks in Brandenburg and Saxony – a basic material that makes plurality and cohesion visible.
The memorial also incorporates the so-called “Kissing Stone,” previously located in Treptower Park and later on the grounds of Schloss Britz. In its new context, it becomes a connecting element within the site of remembrance.
As part of the inauguration, there will be a table with lipstick – an invitation to leave a personal trace. Those who wish are welcome to bring their own lipstick.
The ceremony is hosted by Schwulenberatung Berlin and intentionally takes place on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, giving the occasion an additional social significance.
We would be delighted if you could join us for this special moment.
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof
Großgörschenstraße 12–14
10829 Berlin
Entrance also via Monumentenstraße
Sunday May 17th / Start: 11 a.m.
No registration required.
Warm regards,
Ulrich Vogl & Christoph Wagner
