BERLIN, April 14, 2026 A climate activist from the Neue Generation movement glued herself to the floor of Berlin’s Bode-Museum on Wednesday while disguised as former German minister Katherina Reiche, in a protest targeting cultural institutions over fossil fuel ties.
Protest Details and Immediate Aftermath
The activist, using a strong adhesive commonly known as "Sekundenkleber," attached herself to the museum floor during peak visiting hours. The protest was staged at the Bode-Museum, part of the Museum Island complex managed by the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz (SPK). The activist wore a disguise resembling Katherina Reiche, a former CDU politician and energy executive, to draw attention to perceived conflicts of interest between cultural sponsors and fossil fuel industries.
Museum security and Berlin police responded swiftly, though removing the activist without damaging the historic floor required specialized tools. The SPK confirmed the incident disrupted operations for nearly two hours but reported no permanent damage to the building. The activist was detained and later released pending charges under public nuisance laws.
Background of the Neue Generation Movement
The Neue Generation movement emerged in early 2025 following the dissolution of the more radical climate group Letzte Generation. While sharing some tactics with its predecessor, such as disruptive protests, Neue Generation has focused on targeting institutions with perceived ties to fossil fuel funding. The group’s actions have increasingly involved symbolic disguises and performances to amplify their message.
Katherina Reiche, the figure impersonated in the protest, has been a frequent target due to her transition from politics to the energy sector. As a former parliamentary state secretary and later CEO of a major utility company, her career has symbolized, for activists, the revolving door between government and industry.
The choice of the Bode-Museum as a protest site reflects the group’s strategy of pressuring cultural institutions to sever sponsorships from energy companies. The SPK, which oversees Berlin’s Museum Island, has faced previous criticism for accepting donations from corporations linked to fossil fuels.
Institutional and Political Reactions
The SPK condemned the protest as a reckless endangerment of cultural heritage. In a statement, the foundation emphasized that while it supports dialogue on climate issues, "actions that risk damaging irreplaceable artifacts are unacceptable." Berlin’s culture senator echoed these concerns, calling for stricter penalties against activists who target museums.
The CDU, Reiche’s former party, dismissed the protest as a publicity stunt. A party spokesperson argued that such tactics undermine legitimate climate advocacy. Meanwhile, environmental groups have been divided, with some praising the creativity of the action while others worry it alienates potential allies.
Police authorities noted a rise in similar protests across Germany and are reviewing measures to prevent further disruptions at sensitive sites. The Neue Generation movement, however, shows no signs of halting its campaign, promising "escalated actions" unless cultural institutions cut ties with fossil fuel interests.
The incident highlights the growing tension between climate activists and Germany’s cultural establishment, as protests increasingly shift from streets to museums, galleries, and other symbolic venues.