The Bärenzwinger (bear pit) in Köllnischen Park has been open to the public as a cultural venue since September 2017. The enclosure, which formerly housed the bears belonging to the city of Berlin, is being developed into a platform for collaborative learning, research, and experimentation with curatorial and artistic practices by the Department of Art and Culture of the Mitte district. Site-specific exhibition and event formats aim to reflect the history and special features of the location as well as engage with current urban cultural themes. In cooperation with Jugend im Museum e.V., the Bärenzwinger offers educational programs for school and KiTa groups during exhibitions.