Dark Matter

What Dark Matter does

Dark Matter gGmbH is a nonprofit light and media art museum and immersive event venue headquartered in Berlin-Lichtenberg, Germany, at Köpenicker Chaussee 46. Founded by light and media artist Christopher Bauder and led by Managing Directors Christopher M. Bauder and Justyna Mintus, the venue operates on a former industrial site and is registered as a gemeinnützige GmbH (nonprofit limited liability company). Its permanent KOLLEKTION exhibition comprises seven kinetic light and media installations—LIQUID SKY (800+ light points), INVERSE (169 moving spheres), CIRCULAR, BONFIRE (162 elements with 20,000+ controllable points), POLYGON PLAYGROUND, GRID, and TONLEITER—augmented by rotating seasonal and special exhibitions including FOREST SEASONS (April-October 2026), SOMMERLIGHTS (summer), and WINTERLIGHTS (winter). The site also houses the TRANSFORMATOR exhibition hall and the FREIRAUM outdoor area, plus an active AUF TOUR touring program that extends select works internationally, including POLYGON PLAYGROUND's permanent placement at the Science Museum in Daegu, Korea since 2012.

The core technical platform integrates kinetic motor systems supplied by KINETIC LIGHTS, wave field synthesis 3D spatial audio from HOLOPLOT, interactive sensor technology, and algorithmically generated light animations. Production is delivered in collaboration with WHITEvoid (Christopher Bauder's design studio) and sound designers KlingKlangKlong, Robert Henke, Boris Acket, Chris Kuijten, and Gianluigi D'Autilia, producing site-specific audiovisual works such as the Robert Henke-composed GRID score synchronized through HOLOPLOT spatial sound and an eight-channel soundtrack by Boris Acket spanning LIQUID SKY, INVERSE, and CIRCULAR. Capacity is governed by a time-slot reservation system (max 25 tickets per slot for KOLLEKTION, 30 for special exhibitions).

The business model is consumer-ticket-driven with ancillary B2B revenue. Primary sales occur online via the TicketTailor platform, with KOLLEKTION priced at EUR 18-20 (regular), EUR 14-15 (student), and EUR 12.50-13.50 (children aged 7-12); FOREST SEASONS at EUR 16; and combo tickets at EUR 30-33. Gift vouchers valid one year for KOLLEKTION extend the funnel. Group bookings (minimum 20 students for school groups, 30+ for general groups, weekdays only) and private/corporate venue hire are processed via direct email inquiry. Distribution combines digital channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, TripAdvisor, newsletter) with on-site ticket sales (cashless, EUR 2 surcharge). Berlin WelcomeCard holders receive 25% off regular tickets; children under 6 enter free.

Name

Dark Matter

Legal name

Dark Matter gGmbH

Website

https://darkmatter.berlin

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Dark Matter is a nonprofit light and media art museum in Berlin operating immersive installations by artist Christopher Bauder. It serves visitors, school groups, and corporate clients through ticketed exhibitions, seasonal outdoor installations, and venue hire at its Lichtenberg venue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Immersive Art Museum

NAICS

Museums (71211)

akta.pro primary industry

General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA)

Keywords

• Immersive art museum
• Light art exhibitions
• Kinetic light installations
• Media art venue
• Event venue rental

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Exhibition Tickets: Primary revenue from sale of time-slot tickets for KOLLEKTION (permanent exhibition at €18-20 regular, €14-15 student, €12.50-13.50 children) and FOREST SEASONS (special outdoor exhibition at €16 regular). Combo tickets combining both exhibitions available at €30-33 regular, €22-24 student, €19 children.
2. Vouchers: Gift vouchers sold as single tickets or 'Experience for 2' packages, valid for one year for the permanent KOLLEKTION exhibition only. Available online and in printed format on-site.
3. Private Events: Exclusive venue hire for private events combining DARK MATTER art experience with corporate events, celebrations, and intimate gatherings. Booked via email inquiry.
4. Group Bookings: Special rates for school trips (minimum 20 students plus chaperones, weekdays only) and large groups (30+ persons) with customized planning.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Dark Matter is a light and media art museum in Berlin that operates immersive exhibitions of kinetic light installations by Christopher Bauder, combining wave field synthesis 3D spatial audio, computer-controlled motor systems, and interactive sensor technology. Revenue is generated primarily through time-slot ticket sales for the permanent KOLLEKTION exhibition and the seasonal FOREST SEASONS outdoor exhibition, supplemented by venue hire for private and corporate events and school-group bookings.

Product overview

DARK MATTER is a light and media art museum in Berlin featuring a portfolio of experiential offerings centered on the works of light artist Christopher Bauder. The core product is the KOLLEKTION permanent exhibition showcasing seven kinetic light installations (LIQUID SKY, INVERSE, CIRCULAR, BONFIRE, POLYGON PLAYGROUND, GRID, and TONLEITER), augmented by seasonal outdoor exhibitions (WINTERLIGHTS in winter, SOMMERLIGHTS in summer, and FOREST SEASONS in spring/summer). The venue also offers private event hosting and school group programs. Visitors experience immersive, partially interactive artworks combining light, sound, and space, with some installations featuring proprietary technologies like 3D sound systems and kinetic motion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KOLLEKTION (Permanent Exhibition) The museum's permanent exhibition comprising seven light and media art installations by Christopher Bauder: LIQUID SKY (800+ light points), INVERSE (169 moving spheres), CIRCULAR (motorized light rings), BONFIRE (162 light elements, 20,000+ controllable points), POLYGON PLAYGROUND (interactive with 3D spatial audio), GRID (with spatial sound), and TONLEITER (sensor-equipped interactive ladder). Visitors journey through the installations in velvet-black industrial spaces where light, space, and sound merge into emotional choreographies.
• FOREST SEASONS (Special Exhibition) A special seasonal exhibition featuring the artwork FOREST SEASONS by Christopher Bauder with a multi-channel immersive soundtrack by composer Chris Kuijten. Housed in the TRANSFORMATOR exhibition hall and FREIRAUM outdoor area, the exhibition runs from April through October 2026 and complements the permanent KOLLEKTION with a different large-scale, seasonally-themed installation.
• WINTERLIGHTS (Seasonal Event) An annual seasonal outdoor light installation on the DARK MATTER grounds, featuring illuminated Christmas trees hung from the sky and standing trees forming a glittering forest, synchronized to a soundtrack by composer Chris Kuijten. Runs November through January each year.
• SOMMERLIGHTS (Seasonal Event) An annual seasonal summer outdoor light installation series featuring large-scale artworks by Christopher Bauder. The 2024 edition featured the FLOW installation with an immersive soundtrack by Chris Kuijten. Runs May through September each year.
• Private Events (Venue Hire) Exclusive venue hire service that combines the immersive DARK MATTER art experience with corporate events, celebrations, team-building activities, and intimate gatherings. Offers dynamic outdoor areas (FREIRAUM) and immersive indoor spaces for both intimate and larger private functions, with booking handled by direct email inquiry.
• School Trips / Group Visits Special pricing and admission program for school groups and youth organizations with children under 18, offering curriculum-aligned experiential learning in art, technology, and sensory science. Minimum 20 students plus chaperones required; bookings accepted Wednesday through Friday with early admission 30-60 minutes before regular opening. Large groups (30+ persons) also receive customized planning.
• Gift Vouchers Gift vouchers available as single tickets or as 'Experience for 2' packages, valid for one year for the permanent KOLLEKTION exhibition. Can be purchased online via TicketTailor or as printed versions on-site, with options combined with artist-signed art prints.

Quantifiable outcome

• Visit duration approximately 1-2 hours for KOLLEKTION with 7 installations
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Science Museum Daegu, KoreamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Since 2012, POLYGON PLAYGROUND installation has been part of permanent exhibition at Science Museum Daegu, Korea, representing international institutional validation of installation quality.
• WHITEvoidcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign studio founded by Christopher Bauder, co-creator of DARK MATTER. Responsible for production of installations including LIQUID SKY and TONLEITER. Portfolio includes DEEP WEB, SKALAR at Kraftwerk Berlin, and LICHTGRENZE (8,000 illuminated balloons for 25th anniversary of Berlin Wall fall).
• KINETIC LIGHTScoreTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner providing motor systems and software for kinetic light installations. Systems used in LIQUID SKY, INVERSE, CIRCULAR, and BONFIRE installations, enabling precise synchronized movement of hundreds of light elements.
• HOLOPLOTcoreTechnology or IntegrationBerlin-based startup providing wave field synthesis 3D sound systems. Enables spatial audio that moves in direct relationship to visual installations. Used in POLYGON PLAYGROUND and GRID installations for immersive audiovisual experience.
• KlingKlangKlongcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin sound studio providing music and sound design for BONFIRE and POLYGON PLAYGROUND installations. Creates 3D soundscapes synchronized with visual elements.
• Boris AcketcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch sound designer composing 8-channel soundtrack for LIQUID SKY, INVERSE, and CIRCULAR installations (triptych). Sound moves between rooms connecting installations like abstract living beings.
• Robert HenkecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerComposer creating music for GRID installation, first shown at Fete des Lumières Light Festival in Lyon 2013. Composition synchronizes with sculpture's movement and colors via HOLOPLOT spatial sound system.
• Chris KuijtenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch musician composing multi-channel immersive soundtrack for FOREST SEASONS outdoor installation and WINTERLIGHTS seasonal exhibition. Soundtrack combines ambient sounds with rhythmic elements.
• Gianluigi D'AutiliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSound designer collaborating with Christopher Bauder on TONLEITER installation, transforming sensor-equipped ladder into interactive musical instrument.
• TicketTailorcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTicketing platform partner for online ticket sales. Processes bookings, sends confirmation emails with QR codes for admission. Handles voucher sales and group bookings.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Atelier des Lumières: Immersive digital art center in Paris operated by Culturespaces in a former foundry, projecting large-scale art onto walls and floors with synchronized sound. Directly comparable to Dark Matter in concept (immersive art venue), business model (ticketed exhibition, gift shop, evening hours), and customer (tourists, families, cultural visitors).
• Frameless: London immersive art experience operating in a large venue with multiple themed galleries combining classical art with projection mapping and sound. Direct peer in venue-based immersive art for general audiences with rotating themed programming.
• ARTECHOUSE: US-based operator of technology-driven immersive art installations in Washington DC, Miami, and New York. Comparable as a ticketed immersive art venue using proprietary technology, sensors, and large-format projection, with rotating artist residencies.
• Meow Wolf: US artist collective operating large-scale immersive art experiences (House of Eternal Return, Convergence Station) with permanent and rotating installations. Comparable in immersive experiential art concept and ticketed visitor model, though with multi-venue presence.
• Eclipso: European operator of immersive art venues (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Berlin) presenting immersive shows combining projection, light, and sound. Directly comparable as European immersive art venue with ticketed admission and rotating programming — operates a venue in Berlin, making it a direct local competitor.
• Hall des Lumières: NYC immersive art center operated by Culturespaces in a former industrial space, featuring large-format projection-mapped art with synchronized music. Directly comparable to Dark Matter in venue type (former industrial building), immersive art format, and ticketed public exhibition model.

Broad incumbents

• TeamLab: Tokyo-based interdisciplinary art collective operating multiple large immersive digital art museums (Borderless, Planets) globally. Comparable product offering (interactive, technology-driven immersive installations) but with a multi-city, multi-IP footprint and significantly larger scale than Dark Matter.

Others

• Culturespaces: Paris-based operator of Atelier des Lumières, Hall des Lumières (NYC), and Bassins de Lumières (Bordeaux). Relevant as the parent/operator of the most established European immersive art venue; comparable business model and operational playbook, but a broader portfolio operator rather than direct venue peer.
• HOLOPLOT: Berlin-based audio technology company providing the wave field synthesis 3D sound system used in Dark Matter's POLYGON PLAYGROUND and GRID installations. Listed as adjacent technology ecosystem player rather than direct competitor — but operates in the same spatial audio + immersive experience market and is a strategic technology partner.
• Fever: Global live-entertainment discovery and ticketing platform that distributes many immersive art experiences (including some Atelier des Lumières programming). Comparable as a complementary distribution and experience-discovery channel in the immersive experiences market, but not a venue peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DarkMatterBER
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCz567ISGeowK4ay49p7U2AA
• Facebookfacebook.com/darkmatterberlin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/darkmatterberlin
• Instagraminstagram.com/darkmatterberlin
• TikToktiktok.com/@darkmatterberlin

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dark Matter