Overview

• The museum announced it will shut its doors on October 6 after roughly 20 years, with a final public opening on October 5.
• Founder Barbara Dechant said the project received no institutional or regular funding and can no longer operate without financial support.
• Visitor numbers have roughly halved since the pandemic, while energy and operating costs have risen, increasing pressure on the volunteer team.
• An online fundraising effort has begun, including to repay pandemic aid, and the future of the roughly 3,500 objects remains undecided.
• The collection features 3D letters and signs from Berlin and beyond, including the “Zierfische” storefront sign and a functioning 1947 neon piece, displayed near Bellevue station.