Unter den Linden

Germany's top bank, Deutsche Bank, said Monday it would continue to run a museum for contemporary art in Berlin without its erstwhile partner, New York's Guggenheim Foundation.

Germany might still be known for its high-speed autobahns, but in cities, bicycles are now so popular that a war of words has broken out between drivers and cyclists over who rules the road.

BERLIN (Reuters Life!) - When Berlin's high street Kurfuerstendamm was developed more than a century ago, Germany's "Iron Chancellor" Otto von Bismarck hoped the boulevard would eclipse the Champs-Elysees of Paris in prestige.

While lots of memorabilia is on show, from SS and Gestapo uniforms to a sideboard from Hitler's office, the exhibition shows how all levels of German society -- media, industry, the church, schools -- built up the Hitler cult in the 1930s and clung to it through World War Two until defeat was imminent.

BERLIN (Reuters Life!) - Got 48 hours to spare in Berlin? The city which proudly bares the scars of the turbulent 20th century history it overcame to become a political and creative powerhouse, bang in the center of Europe, has a lot to offer.

Seats for sale, takeout only: Berlin's Staatsoper sells off its seating ahead of renovation. Berlin's Staatsoper is offering opera-lovers a souvenir with a difference as it embarks on a three-year renovation: well-worn seats from its auditorium, price euro50 ($62) each.

Berlin's Staatsoper to move to smaller theater for 3 years during renovation. Berlin's Staatsoper is moving to smaller, more frugal premises for three years as its 19th-century home undergoes renovation ? and musical director Daniel Barenboim pledged Tuesday to live up to the challenge.

Berlin's Staatsoper to move to smaller theater for 3 years during renovation. Berlin's Staatsoper says it will try to compensate for an upcoming move to smaller temporary premises during its renovation by putting on more new productions.

Review: Domingo takes it down a notch, sings baritone in Verdi's `Simon Boccanegra' title role. At this rate, Placido Domingo had better start thinking about what to sing on the 50th anniversary of his Metropolitan Opera debut, which rolls around in 2018.

BERLIN (Reuters Life!) - Got 48 hours to spare in Berlin, an eclectic city which proudly bares the scars of the turbulent 20th century history it overcame to become a political and creative powerhouse, bang in the center of Europe.

Placido Domingo tries out Verdi baritone role, but he still sounds like a tenor. The notes were all there. The voice had its familiar warm and muscular sound. The technique remains rock-solid. And yet ...