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Wilhelmstraße 49
A building in Berlin with a history
Wilhelmstraße 49
A building in Berlin with a history
The headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs opens its doors.
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The past meets the present at Wilhelmstraße 49 in
Berlin. In 2008, this historical building will be linked
by a new building complex with the buildings in
Mohrenstraße and the Kleisthaus. For months, a
distance meter was affixed which was to examine
whether this new link has a future.
Righwand picture: Distance meter in the entrance hall of the Federal
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, 2007.
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Table of Contents
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Foreword by Dr. Ursula von der Leyen
Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
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From Bonn to Berlin
1990 to 2008
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The German Democratic Republic
1945 to 1990
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The Era of National Socialism
1933 to 1945
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The Weimar Republic
1918 to 1933
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The German Empire
1871 to 1918
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The Prussian Era
1700 to 187 1
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The Kleisthaus
A banking house becomes part of a ministry
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Art in the Ministry
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Appendix
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Foreword
“Buildings can tell stories, yet
sometimes they do even more. Then, the
many minor stories tell of the one “major”
story, transforming architecture into a
place of historic value.”
Dr. Ursula von der Leyen
Foreword
Dear Readers and Guests,
welcome to Berlin’s Wilhelmstraße 49, and a warm
individual undertakings may be, we always deal with
welcome to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social
the quite real concerns, aspirations and expectations
Affairs.
of the people.
Buildings can tell stories, yet sometimes they do even
This also applies in a very tangible sense to the many
more. Then, the many minor stories tell of the one
art and cultural events taking place in the Kleisthaus,
“major” story, transforming architecture into a place
that is the Ministry’s visitor centre and the workplace
of historic value.
of the Federal Government Commissioner for Matters
relating to Disabled Persons. “Walk right in!” is our
Our building on Wilhelmstraße is one such place. Like
motto and our agenda. Everyone is invited, regardless
few other buildings, it reflects German history with
of age, with and without disabilities.
all of its fissures, faults and new beginnings: Prussian
traditions and National Socialism, the destruction of
Come by and visit us – we are happy to open our doors
war and division, reconstruction, the beginnings of
to you!
democracy and unification in freedom.
This is where the past meets the present. This general
principle characterises the newly-created building
complex, and not only with regard to its modern
architectural forms; this building epitomises interaction and accessibility.
In political terms, this applies to the topics and tasks of
this Ministry, which are of existential importance for
Dr. Ursula von der Leyen
nearly all of our country’s citizens. As diverse as our
Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
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1990 to 2008
1990 to 2008
From Bonn to Berlin
1990 to 2008
The German Federal Parliament decided on 20 June
Socialist Propaganda Ministry at Wilhelmstraße
1991 that Berlin was to become the seat of Parlia-
49. The architect Prof. Josef Paul Kleihues, based
ment and of the Government. The conversion and
in Berlin and Dülmen-Rorup, was responsible for
use of official buildings in Berlin was decided upon
the general planning of the refurbishment of the
in the ensuing period. The first offical residence of
building. The construction work started in August
the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs was
1997; Federal Minister Walter Riester took over the
located in the office building of the former National
completed building in May 2001.
Large picture: View of the glass-roofed entrance hall, 2008.
Small picture: After reunification, the German Federal Parliament decided on 20 June 1991 that the
Parliament and the Government were to move from Bonn to Berlin.
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1990 to 2008
Plans: Location plan of the buildings of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, first phase of construction; basis of the monument preservation report, 1997.
Bottom picture: The old Hofbeamtenhaus with the three open as well as three other walled-up arches which were added to the front of the facade before 1949, 1998.
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A historically valuable structure
The monument preservation report
on Wilhelmstraße and Mauerstraße
All in all, the buildings at Wilhelmstraße 49, Mauerstraße 45–52 and Mauerstraße 53 (Kleisthaus), which
were planned to house the ministry, were not in
an up-to-date state of construction, but their core
consisted of a good building structure that was worth
preserving. The Architecture Office for Urban Conservation and Artistic Monument Preservation in Berlin
made a clear recommendation: the buildings were
historically valuable and worth preserving, even if
repairs were necessary. The report therefore said,
amongst other things: “The building of the ‘Reich
Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda’
was the headquarters of one of the largest, most effective state agencies in the world aimed at influencing
the public. As the logistical and representative centre
of National Socialist dominance over minds, which
was to lead to genocide and war, the building has
considerable historical significance – even if the propaganda minister himself had his official premises in the
destroyed Prince Leopold Palace. The building will
always demand that we face our history.”
It was also said to be of historical significance for the
GDR era, given that both the first President of the GDR,
Wilhelm Pieck, and the National Council of the National
Front, had resided on the second second floor on
Mauerstraße.
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1990 to 2008
The modernisation of the historical buildings
Architect Prof. Kleihues reinvents the site and
creates modern offices
The Wilhelmstraße wing and the Schinkel Palace,
buildings. The character of the historically burdened
containing the Minister’s office of the former Propa-
building complex has been changed for its present use
ganda Ministry, were destroyed in the war. The Media
in a “great architectural achievement”. The conversion
Ministry of the Modrow and de Maizière governments
of the Kleisthaus into an information and visitor centre
operated in the remaining building in 1990. In the
supports the new identity.
ensuing five years, it served as premises for parts of the
Prof. Kleihues wrote in 2001 in his key notes on the
Federal Environmental Agency. Refurbishment for the
project: “Dealing with the historically burdened
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs started in
and atmospherically somewhat oppressive building
1997; the first offices were moved into in June 1999.
substance is a political challenge, and also a challenge
We have the architect Prof. Josef Paul Kleihues to thank
in terms of architecture, history and aesthetics, which
for the harmonious combination of old and new. The
can only be faced by creating a new architectural and
new entrance hall, the well-conceived and consistent
atmospheric identity without letting us forget history.
architectural design and the renewal of the interior of
Dealing with this in critical terms remains a very fine
the building lend a new character to these old listed
line to walk.”
Thema
The new entrance hall
Top picture: The new entrance hall, bringing together the entrance area of the three-arch facade,
the office buildings and the Kleisthaus. An 8 x 8 m chessboard made of coloured glass squares, by the
Parisian artist Daniel Buren, forms the visual centrepiece on the rear wall.
Middle picture: Prof. Josef Paul Kleihues linked the Kleisthaus, the three-arch entrance and the other
office buildings by means of a large, bright, modern entrance hall (marked in yellow on the plan). The
open lobby gives the building complex an element of new identity.
Bottom picture: Topping-out ceremony on 2 July 1999 in the courtyard of the new Federal Ministry
of Labour and Social Affairs.
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1990 to 2008
2001
The move to Berlin
Jobs for the Federal Ministry of Labour
and Social Affairs
On 18 May 2001, the new office building was handed
over by the architect Prof. Josef Paul Kleihues and the
former President of the Federal Office for Building
and Regional Planning, Florian Mausbach, to former
Federal Minister of Labour Walter Riester.
The management of the ministry and more than onethird of the staff moved from Bonn to Berlin between
1999 and 2001. The remaining staff remained in Bonn.
The building was used by the Federal Ministry of
Health and Social Security from 2002 to 2005. After
the change of government which took place at the
end of 2005 and the renewed change in its remit, the
building is now being used as the headquarters of the
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
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Top left-hand picture: Entrance into the Federal Ministry of Labour
and Social Affairs, Wilhelmstraße 49, Berlin. This Hofbeamtenhaus
with the three-arch facade is the oldest part of the building complex; it dates back to 1883.
Top right-hand picture: The Kleisthaus, Information and Visitor
Centre of the ministry and headquarters of the Federal Government
Commissioner for the Interests of the Disabled, in Mauerstraße.
Left-hand pictures: Corridor in GDR times (left). Corridor after
conversion (right).
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1990 to 2008
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The tasks of the ministry as they have changed over time
The tasks assigned to the ministry have changed over
From 2002 to 2005, the areas of employment promo-
time. Established in 1949 as the Federal Ministry of
tion and labour law/industrial safety were removed
Labour, its remit was expanded in 1957 as it became
and transferred to the newly created Federal Ministry
the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
of Economics and Labour. The other fields of activity
Apart from minor alterations, this remained the case
were taken over by the Federal Ministry of Health and
until it renounced health insurance in 1991, and long-
Social Security, also newly created. This organisation
term care insurance in 1998, to the Federal Ministry
was reversed in the autumn of 2005. There is now once
for Health. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social
more a Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs,
Affairs in return was given responsibility for social
a Federal Ministry of Health and a Federal Ministry of
assistance in 1998.
Economics and Technology.
Left-hand side: An office in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in Berlin, 2008.
Top left-hand picture: Information plaque for the first Federal Ministries in Bonn, 1949.
Top right-hand picture: The building of the conference rooms in the ministry in Bonn, Rochusstraße 1. Before parts of the ministry were moved to Berlin, the
building was used as a visitor centre.
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1990 to 2008
The extensions
The past meets the present
After the elections to the 16th German Federal Parlia-
tion of the Land Thuringia. The buildings did not have
ment in September 2005, the Grand Coalition of
sufficient office space to house all the staff. The Federal
the CDU/CSU and the SPD redefined the tasks of the
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is to take over
Ministry. Former Vice Chancellor Franz Müntefering
these new premises. The extension was completed
took over the ministry, now concentrating on labour
in June 2008. The Federal Office for Building and
and social affairs.
Regional Planning has given the keys for the new
The official headquarters of the Federal Ministry of
building to former Federal Minister Olaf Scholz. All the
Labour and Social Affairs in Berlin were located at
staff of the ministry are once more centrally accom-
Mohrenstraße 62 at that time. The staff however were
modated in one building complex.
split between several buildings. In the course of 2006,
As part of the building project, the former building of
headquarters were completely returned to Wilhelm-
the Kur- und Neumärkische Haupt- and Ritterschafts-
straße 49, where they had already been located from
bank (Mohrenstraße 66) has been renovated and
1999 to 2002. The Federal Ministry of Health, which
modernised. The Kleihues + Kleihues architects’ office
until then had been housed in Wilhelmstraße, was
has thus met the demands for a modern office building
moved to Friedrichstraße.
without erasing the traces of the past in doing so. Thus,
During its use by the Federal Ministry of Health,
the facade has been preserved almost in its original
extension work began between the main building
state. The main entrance to the ministry remains on
in Wilhelmstraße and the Ritterschaftsbank and
Wilhelmstraße. Visitor groups are received into the
between the Ritterschaftsbank and the Representa-
neighbouring Kleisthaus on Mauerstraße.
Top sketch: Front view of the building complex in Mohrenstraße (from left to right): the former Ritterschaftsbank, new building, Representation of the Free State
of Thuringia to the Federation.
Right-hand side: The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs on Wilhelmstraße, corner of Mohrenstraße, 2008.
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1945 to 1990
The German Democratic Republic
1945 to 1990
Berlin was divided into four sectors in 1945, Wilhelmplatz and Wilhelmstraße being situated in the Soviet sector of
the city. Many buildings of the former Government Quarter had been destroyed, including the buildings on Wilhelmplatz. Some office buildings of the former National Socialist Propaganda Ministry were restored and used until 1989
by the Office for Information of the GDR and by the National Council of the National Front. The people of the GDR put
an end to the SED Regime in a peaceful revolution which took place in 1989. Germany was reunified in 1990.
Small picture: The building of the German People’s Council on 7 October 1949, the day of the foundation of the GDR. The preserved former Hofbeamtenhaus
with its three-arch facade, as well as other office buildings.
Large picture: The conference room of the former President of the GDR, Wilhelm Pieck, with its impressive lighting, 2008.
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1945 to 1990
Germany divided
The former Government Quarter in Wilhelmstraße
was seriously damaged by air raids and in the battle
for Berlin. The Prince Friedrich Leopold Palace was
completely gutted. Parts of the former Propaganda
Ministry, the Kleisthaus in Mauerstraße and also the
building of the Ritterschaftsbank were preserved –
albeit suffering heavy damage.
The East-West conflict led to the division of Germany.
The Federal Republic of Germany was established in
the British, American and French occupation zones;
the Germans in the West elected the German Federal
Parliament (Bundestag) in a general, direct, free,
equal and secret ballot on 14 August 1949. The German
Democratic Republic (GDR) was founded on 7 October
1949 in the Soviet occupation zone without democratic
elections. Political and social developments in the GDR
continued to be determined by the Soviet occupying
power. Step by step, the GDR removed the rubble of the
former government buildings on Wilhelmplatz.
Left-hand picture: A state is formed: the German People’s Council pronounces itself the “Provisional People’s Chamber”, and declares the German
Democratic Republic. Session of the German People’s Chamber in the building of the Economic Commission, today’s Federal Ministry of Finance in Berlin,
Leipziger Straße, 7 October 1949.
Middle picture: The remains of the ruin of the former Prince Friedrich Leopold Palace, blown up in 1947 by order of the Soviets. In the background, the preserved
office buildings, which today form part of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Right-hand picture: Remaining rubble on Wilhelmplatz. On the left, the building of the Ritterschaft, today part of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social
Affairs. To the right, the ruin of the Hotel Kaiserhof, 1946.
1945 to 1990
The collapse of society
“We earned good money by flogging off part of the scrap which I found along with
a whole crew of workers by cannibalising ruins which were to be torn down; some
of the rooms which we reached on high ladders were completely undamaged, and
we found bathrooms and kitchens in which each oven, each boiler, each screw
were still like new, each enamelled wall hook, hooks on which there were often
still towels hanging, glass shelves on which lipstick and shavers were still next to
one another, baths still filled with bathwater, in which the soap foam had sunk in
limy flakes, clear water with rubber toys still floating on it, with which children
had played who had been asphyxiated in the cellars...
I pulled the plug from the bath; the water fell down four floors, and the rubber
toys sank slowly onto the limy bottom of the bath.”
A literary description of everyday life in the immediate post-war period can be found in a novel by Heinrich Böll, Brot
der frühen Jahre (The Bread of Those Early Years). From: Heinrich Böll, Romane und Erzählungen Vol. 2, 1953–1959,
1977 (1987), Verlag Kiepenheuer & Witsch, Cologne, p. 655 et seq.
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1945 to 1990
Berlin, the four-sector city
Clearing up and building up
The Allies divided Berlin into four sectors. Wilhelmplatz and Wilhelmstraße were located in the Soviet
Eastern sector of the city. Buildings which had not
been completely destroyed were rebuilt – in some
cases by order of the Soviets.
Since there was a shortage of suitable premises for
public use in East Berlin, the historic administrative
buildings were restored for the later GDR administration. The Soviet Military Administration exerted a
sustained influence and regulated matters by orders,
such as that in October 1947 to blow up the ruin of the
Prince Friedrich Leopold Palace.
Reconstruction planning commenced as far back as
1945 – even before the division of Berlin. The brewing
East-West conflict however put a stop to any joint
plans. The decisions on construction activity in
Wilhelmstraße and on Thälmannplatz (previously
Wilhelmplatz) were taken by the political bodies of
the GDR and of the Soviet Union.
Left-hand side: Report from the newspaper “Neues Deutschland” on 29 November 1949 on the renaming of Wilhelmplatz to Thälmannplatz on 30 November 1949.
Top left-hand picture: The former Ritterschaftsbank, now the guesthouse of the GDR. In front of Thälmannplatz. The Russian inscription reads: “Long live the
Komsomol, the avant-garde of the democratic youth of the world”. 31 May 1950.
Top right-hand picture: The cleared Thälmannplatz. The area of the blown-up former Prince Friedrich Leopold Palace is included in the square. Spring of 1950.
From right to left: buildings which now belong to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs: Ritterschaftsbank, former US embassy, Hofbeamtenhaus (today
the entrance to the ministry), office building wing (housed the Propaganda Ministry in the National Socialist era).
Figure: The division of Berlin into the four sectors of the occupying powers.
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Course of the Berlin Wall, 1986.
1945 to 1990
On the edge of Berlin
Wilhelmstraße and Wilhelmplatz
Architects in the Bauhaus tradition put forward prin-
The end of all the planning in Wilhelmstraße was
ciples for replanning the city of Berlin in 1949. The
brought about by the workers’ revolt on 17 June 1953,
focus was on residential building and on improving
when protesters gathered in front of the ministry
the city as a place to live. Representative buildings
buildings on the corner of Wilhelmstraße/Leipziger
did not take on any particular importance. However,
Straße. This area, close to the sector border, no longer
no major progress was made; the GDR did not have
appeared to be secure enough for the GDR leader-
the economic capacity for comprehensive rebuilding
ship. Major GDR Ministries moved into the centre of
projects. The GDR leadership pushed the creation of
East Berlin. The former Propaganda Ministry was the
a massive parade ground as a new centre. The burnt-
headquarters of the Office for Information and of the
out Berlin Castle was also blown up in 1950 and the
National Council of the National Front until 1989.
complex became a part of a new central square.
Left-hand side: Map showing the course of the Berlin Wall, 1986. The circle shows the current location of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Top left-hand picture: The East-West conflict led to the division of Germany in 1949. A free state based on the rule of law, the Federal Republic of Germany,
was established in the Western zones, while the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was created in the Soviet occupation zone under the leadership of the SED
(German Socialist Unity Party). The GDR built the Wall in Berlin in 1961 in order to stop Germans escaping from the East to the West. The construction of the Berlin Wall
in August 1961 put a stop to the flow of refugees from the GDR to the West.
Top right-hand picture: The Monday demonstrations of the GDR population and the opening of the Wall finally led to the collapse of the SED regime. The GDR
acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany in 1990. Germany was unified once more. After the end of the parade of honour for the 40th anniversary of the GDR
on 6 October 1989, a soldier of the National People’s Army hugs his girlfriend. She is already carrying the insignia of the new era in the form of a branded bag over
her shoulder.
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1933 to 1945
The Era of
National Socialism
1933 to 1945
The Reich Minister for Popular Enlightenment and
Propaganda took over the Prince Friedrich Leopold
Palace at Wilhelmplatz 8/9 in 1933. A first new office
building was built in 1934 in a north-south direction.
When the ministry asked for more office space, work
started in 1937/38 on the new building on Mauerstraße and on the northern Wing. The outbreak of war
in 1939 delayed completion, and the final section of
the building was not ready for occupation until 1942.
The palace and the buildings on Wilhelmstraße were
largely destroyed in the battle for Berlin in 1945. It was
not until 1947 that the restoration of the remaining
buildings began.
Small picture: After the assumption of power, National Socialist Germany
prepared for the Second World War. The attack on Poland started in 1939.
The war ended in 1945 with Germany’s defeat and 55 million people dead
worldwide. View from the New Reich Chancellery onto the destroyed building of the Reich Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda along
Wilhelmstraße/Wilhelmplatz, 1 March 1945.
Large picture: The interior courtyard of the Federal Ministry of Labour and
Social Affairs, 2008.
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1933 to 1945
Headquarters of the Reich Ministry
for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda
Joseph Goebbels moved into the Prince Friedrich
Wilhelmplatz was made into a National Socialist
Leopold Palace (Ordenspalais) on 13 March 1933
marching ground in the mid-1930s. The greenery was
as the Reich Minister for Popular Enlightenment
removed, as were the railings enclosing the monu-
and Propaganda. The riding hall in the garden
ments. Large-scale flagstones with a mosaic stone
was pulled down in 1934, and new office space was
pavement covered the space in the square. The New
built on this spot in a north-south direction. Linking
Reich Chancellery was built on Voßstraße in 1938/39,
sections created a connection to Mauerstraße and to
and was linked to this building. Wilhelmplatz, with its
the former Hofbeamtenhaus. The Hofbeamtenhaus
location close to the Reich Chancellery, was one of the
received an entrance hall with three arcades, which
central “political squares” in Berlin.
today forms the entrance to the Federal Ministry of
Labour and Social Affairs. The architect of the conversion was Karl Reichle.
Bottom picture: Wilhelmplatz as a marching ground for the National Socialists. On the left, Wilhelmstraße with the Borsig Palace, corner of Voßstraße; following
the settlement building of the Reich Chancellery with the added “Führer’s balcony”, Wilhelmstraße 78, then the old Reich Chancellery, Wilhelmstraße 77. In the
background, the cupola of the Reichstag. In the middle of the picture, the Propaganda Ministry, Wilhelmplatz 8/9. To the right in the corner, the former Hofbeamtenhaus with the three-arch entrance. All the way on the right, the Ritterschaft building, Wilhelmplatz 6. Photo taken around 1936.
1933 to 1945
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1933 to 1945
Propaganda for the “Third Reich”
The expansion of the ministry in 1938
Joseph Goebbels reported in the summer of 1936 that
project. This plot reaches from Wilhelmstraße (no. 62)
he needed extra space for his growing ministry. In
to Mauerstraße (no. 45). This made it possible to plan
the planning, the architect Reichle moved the build-
a wing with office space along the boundary of the
ing line on Mauerstraße opposite the Kleisthaus five
plot in an east-west direction which has largely also
metres back, in accordance with the monumen-
been retained until the present day, and is used by the
tal design which Hitler preferred, both inside and
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. A long
outside, in order to highlight the headquarters of a
two-storey facade was created on Wilhelmstraße in
supreme Reich authority. The topping-out ceremony
Schinkel’s architectural style. The core of the interior
was celebrated on 27 January 1938; the first section of
rooms on the Wilhelmstraße side was formed by the
the building was accupied from July 1938.
new theatre and film projection room.
The plot of land at Wilhelmstraße 62, the old Colonial Ministry, was also included in the construction
Making culture and the media
toe the party line
The interior design of the new office buildings was
The completion of the further building sections led to
highly functional. Goebbels used a recording studio
problems. Germany’s attack on Poland on 1 September
integrated into the building for his speeches and proc-
1939 triggered the Second World War. 200,000
lamations. He himself did not live in the building, and
tonnes of iron contingent were withdrawn, bringing
thus broke with the unity of place of office and resi-
construction to a virtual halt. The construction project
dence. The Minister’s office remained in the old Prince
was not categorised as a “building important for the
Friedrich Leopold Palace (Ordenspalais).
war effort”, but Goebbels did manage to have the
All in all, the Propaganda Ministry asked for 100
building completed in several construction phases
offices, rooms for archives and meetings as well as
so that all the departments of the ministry could be
a canteen. Since the old palace could not be made
housed in the same place.
taller for monument preservation reasons, links were
created between the palace and the new office space.
Map: The administrative mile on Wilhelmstraße. The new buildings of the Reich Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda were inserted in the map.
The densely hatched section portrays the old building with its previous extensions. The lines of the new building sections are emboldened.
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1933 to 1945
Destruction
at the end of the war
Whilst the palace at Wilhelmplatz 8/9 could not be
that a level, unimpeded connection was created at this
changed to conform to National Socialist architec-
height through the entire building complex.
ture, such consideration was deemed unnecessary for
The Prince Friedrich Leopold Palace, Wilhelmplatz
Mauerstraße. The existing building was torn down.
8/9, and the extensions on Wilhelmstraße were badly
A cool and functional new three-storey building was
damaged in the final battle for Berlin, as was the
created over a full cellar. Its external design sought to
western part of the northern wing (towards Wilhelm-
underpin the regime’s claim to power. The building
straße) with four window bays. The palace burnt down
line was set back by five metres in order to make more
completely. The undestroyed parts of the building
street space available. Two mighty pylons, crowned
were looted by the population in the immediate post-
with eagles, formed the boundaries for the new
war days. Once Berlin had been divided into four occu-
building. The floor of the main storey took on the same
pation zones, the property formed part of the Soviet
height as the floor of the upper storey of the palace, so
sector of Berlin.
1933 to 1945
1934
1945
Left-hand side: The new ministry building on Mauerstraße. Framed to the right and left by two pylons, each of which displayed an eagle with a swastika in its claws, around 1936.
Top picture: Wilhelmplatz redesigned as a parade ground. To the right, the building with the threearch facade, built in 1934, today’s entrance of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Middle picture: The ruin of the Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda on the corner
of Wilhelmstraße/Wilhelmplatz. The palace and the building segments on Wilhelmstraße have been
destroyed. What has remained are the building sections in the courtyard as far as Mauerstraße.
Bottom picture: Architect’s plan of the entire building of the Reich Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda. The part coloured in yellow was destroyed in the battle for Berlin in 1945.
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1918 to 1933
The Weimar Republic
1918 to 1933
Even after the revolution, Wilhelmstraße remained
a central location for Reich authorities in the new
Republic. In November 1919, the Reich President
moved into Schwerin Palace which was bought by the
German Reich on Wilhelmstraße 73. Efforts to rent or
buy the Prince Friedrich Leopold Palace, Wilhelmplatz
9, as the seat of the Reich President were rejected by
Social Democratic Reich President Ebert. The Press
Office of the Reich Government moved into the palace.
Small picture: After the collapse of the empire, Friedrich Ebert took over
the business of government on 9 November 1918. Friedrich Ebert was elected
Reich President in 1919, an office which he held until his death in 1925. Friedrich Ebert at his desk in the castle in Weimar, 6 February 1919.
Large picture: View of the main stairway as converted by the Kleihues +
Kleihues architects’ office, 2008.
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Thema
1919
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The centre of the republic
Wilhelmstraße
After the revolution and the collapse of the monarchy,
Reich Chancellor Max von Baden handed over power
to the Social Democrats on 9 November 1919, who
were the strongest group in the Reichstag. Friedrich
Ebert became Reich Chancellor. Philipp Scheidemann
declared the “German Republic” on 10 November
1918 from the balcony of the Reichstag. The “Rat der
Volksbeauftragten” (Council of People’s Mandataries)
and the “Reichskongress der Arbeiter- und Soldatenräte” (Reich Congress of Workers’ and Soldiers’ Councils) resolved to elect a German National Assembly in
January 1919. Women were also allowed to vote for
the first time. The National Assembly was convened
in Weimar because of the revolutionary situation
in Berlin. It elected Friedrich Ebert as the first Reich
President of the new republic.
Wilhelmstraße also remained the seat of the central
Reich authorities in the Weimar Republic. This is
where the Reich President was to take up his headquarters. The palace at Wilhelmplatz 9, which had
been the residence of Prince Friedrich Leopold from
1885 to 1918, initially housed the ministry guards.
In August 1919, there were thoughts of renting or
purchasing the palace as the official seat of Reich President Ebert. Ebert rejected this idea, amongst other
things because of the high purchase price, as well
as for security reasons – the Reich Army considered
it to be virtually impossible to defend the building.
Instead, the building at Wilhelmstraße 73 was used as
the Reich President’s palace.
1918 to 1933
Bottom left-hand picture: The republic is declared by SPD Reichstag member
Philipp Scheidemann from the balcony of the Reichstag on 9 November 1918.
Bottom right-hand picture: After the end of the monarchy, revolutionaries want
to take over power. There are heavy clashes with the police and military. On the
way to the burial of victims of the revolutions of 6 and 21 December 1918 in Berlin.
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40
1918 to 1933
The following was established in 1931 regarding the palace at Wilhelmplatz
8/9, used by Reich authorities (which belonged to the State of Prussia):
“The Prince Leopold Palace is assigned to the Reich for
an annual fixed rent of 42,000 RM for the duration of
20 years with the obligation to maintain the facade and
the interior artistic and historical premises according
to the principles of state monument preservation.
Special negotiations are reserved with regard to any
building activities in the courtyard or gardens. Prussia
shall afford the Reich the opportunity to assert any
wishes it may have prior to any sale of land or buildings adjacent to Mauerstraße on the plot on which the
palace is situated.”
41
Headquarters of the Press Office
of the Reich Government
In April 1919, the Reich Chancellery called for the
Wilhelmstraße for Ministries, including for the Reich
Press Department and the Propaganda Department
Ministry of Labour, failed in 1926.
of the Demobilisation Office to be housed in one
The last government which still had a majority in parlia-
building, Prince Friedrich Leopold Palace, Wilhelm-
ment collapsed on 27 March 1930 because of the world
platz 8/9, under the management of the head of the
economic crisis. From then on, Paul von Hindenburg,
press department. On 22 September 1919, the Cabinet
who had been elected in 1925 to succeed Friedrich Ebert
decided to rent the palace. The Palace was now owned
as Reich President, governed by means of emergency
by the Prussian State. The Press Office of the Reich
decrees. The Reichstag majority was ultimately held by
Government moved in as a tenant. Efforts on the part
antidemocratic parties. Hindenburg nominated Adolf
of the Finance Minister to buy further buildings on
Hitler as Reich Chancellor on 30 January 1933.
Left-hand side: Wilhelmplatz at the beginning of 1933. Prince Friedrich Leopold Palace, Wilhelmplatz 8/9. On the right next to it, in the background, the extension of 1827. At right angles to this we see a part of the Hofbeamtenhaus, built in the 1880s.
Top left-hand picture: The building of the US embassy, Wilhelmplatz 7. The embassy had its headquarters here until 1931, and after that in the Blücher Palace on
Pariser Platz. Taken around 1920. The building is situated on the land between the Ritterschaftsbank (today the southern wing of the ministry) and the three-arch
Hofbeamtenhaus (today’s entrance to the ministry).
Top right-hand picture: Paul von Hindenburg, Reich President (1925–1934). He helped the National Socialists came to power in 1933.
42
1871 to 1918
The German Empire
1871 to 1918
The empire (Kaiserreich) covered the period from the
formal coronation of Wilhelm I as emperor in 1871
until the terrible end with ten million dead and the
German defeat in the First World War. The Wilhelmine
Cathedral and the Reichstag were built in Berlin after
the foundation of the Reich in 1871. Bismarck tried
to suppress the workers’ movement. When this was
unsuccessful, he attempted to reconcile the workers
with the State by setting up social insurance. The
Prince Karl Palace at Wilhelmplatz 9 was given an
extension, the Hofbeamtenhaus (Wilhelmplatz 8). The
Ritterschaftliches Creditinstitut and the Kleisthaus
were built. After the defeat in the First World War, the
emperor had to abdicate, and the monarchy came to
an end. The palace fell to the State of Prussia.
Large picture: Entrance to the Steinsaal (Stone Hall), 2008.
Small picture: After victory in the war against France, the German princes
coronated the Prussian king as German Emperor Wilhelm I in the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles on 18 January 1871. The proclamation of the
empire. Painting by Anton von Werner, 1885.
43
44
1871 to 1918
Top picture: The Prince Karl Palace after the lengthening of the front in Wilhelmstraße, around 1883.
Middle picture: The extensions added to the Prince Karl Palace (former Ordenspalais) in 1883. The three-arch facade on today’s main entrance to the Federal
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs was not designed until 1934.
Bottom picture: Wilhelmplatz. On the left, the Ministries in Wilhelmstraße; in the middle in the background, the Prince Karl Palace; on the right, the Ritterschaftsgebäude (today the southern wing of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs), taken in 1901.
1871 to 1918
Concentration of power in Wilhelmstraße
The extension of the Hofbeamtenhaus
With the establishment of the Reich in 1871, Berlin
became the capital of the German Reich, the seat of
the Reichstag, of the Federal Council and of other
central authorities. Wilhelmstraße was the centre of
power of the new Reich. One after the other, several
Reich offices and the Reich Chancellery were created.
A Cabinet order was issued on 18 May 1878 ordering
the “construction of the Central Bureau” which was
to be called the “Reich Chancellery”. The Reich Office
of the Interior was built in 1879, to which social affairs
were also assigned. These included both industrial
safety and the newly created social insurance laws.
The Prince Karl Palace on Wilhelmplatz was lengthened in 1883/84 towards the north on Wilhelmstraße
by three window bays and was given a two-storey
extension, somewhat set back, to the east. At right
angles to it, a three-storey residential building was
constructed, the Hofbeamtenhaus. A riding hall was
built at the boundary of the inner part of the plot of
land. The face of Wilhelmplatz was characterised by
greenery and palace facades, in particular that of the
Prince Karl Palace. With its proximity to the Reich
Chancellery and the Reich offices, Wilhelmplatz
became a focus of power and the jewel in the crown of
the government quarter in terms of urban planning.
45
46
1871 to 1918
A credit institute for major noble landowners
Berlin’s banking quarter is created
The Kur- und Neumärkische Ritterschaftliche Creditinstitut was established in 1777 by order of Frederick
the Great. It was to counter the indebtedness of major
noble landowners by giving cheap loans. The Creditinstitut financed itself via interest-bearing debenture
bonds with interest coupons submitted for interest
payout. Debenture bonds with coupon sheets – developed in Brandenburg – began their triumphant
advancement onto the capital markets of the world.
During the period from 1890 to 1892, the (present)
building of the Kur- und Neumärkische Haupt-Ritterschafts-Direction was built on Wilhelmplatz/corner
of Zietenplatz to replace a smaller two-storey predecessor. The new banking house formed part of the
banking quarter which was created around Behrenstraße and Jägerstraße from 1870 onwards. Wilhelmplatz lost its quiet character with the construction of
the underground station (1909). The Ritterschaftliches
Creditinstitut was now on a city thoroughfare. The
style of the building is reminiscent of models of Florentine palazzos. The street facades showed an impressive
presence, not exhibiting superiority, but moderation,
influenced by the style of Schlüter or Schinkel.
Drawing: The mighty corner building of the Ritterschaftsbank, which in contemporary literature was counted “among the most excellent of contemporary public buildings in Berlin … because of its striking overall design and because of the noble, powerful implementation of the individual parts”, 1908.
Right-hand side: The Kaiserhof underground station, today’s Mohrenstraße. To the left, the Ritterschaftsbank (today the southern wing of the Federal Ministry of Labour
and Social Affairs), to the right, the Hotel Kaiserhof (destroyed in the war). In the background, the tower of the German Cathedral on Gendarmenmarkt. Taken in 1909.
1871 to 1918
47
48
Von 1871 to 1918
Commemorative plaque on the front of the Kleisthaus:
“The poet Heinrich von Kleist resided at this site from the autumn
of 1809 until his death on 21 November 1811. In his memory.
The city of Berlin, 1890.”
1871 to 1918
The Kleisthaus
Another banking house in the government quarter
The Kleisthaus is situated on the western side of
established in 1895. The facade of the Kleisthaus was
Mauerstraße. The buildings have between one and
designed using austere forms which differ from the
three storeys. Heinrich von Kleist lived in a furnished
neo-baroque Wilhelmine style and from the light-
room at no. 53 from 1810 until his death in 1811. Here he
ness of the art nouveau of the early years of the 20th
wrote the “Prince of Homburg” and the final version of
century. The building is a classic example of neoclassi-
“Michael Kohlhaas”.
cism from around 1910. The building is set back several
The building was torn down in 1912. In 1913, Carl von
metres to allow for the possible widening of the street
der Heydt built a multi-storey banking house on this
at a later time. (Further information on the Kleisthaus
site for his bank von der Heydt & Co, which had been
is provided from page 60 onwards.)
Top picture: The von der Heydt banking house, company headquarters from
1913 to 1919. In 1919, the bank merged with Bank Delbrück, Schickler & Co, by
which it was absorbed in 1923 after the economic crisis and inflation.
Bottom picture: Commemorative plaque from the Kleisthaus. There is no
evidence of Kleist’s arrival in Berlin in 1809; it is only documented that he was
in the city from January 1810.
49
50
1871 to 1918
A Reich Office for socio-political affairs
The birth of the Ministry of Labour
The interior administrative authorities were in charge
increased, in the Reich Office of the Interior during
of social affairs in the states of the German Federation
World War I, economic and socio-political affairs were
(1815–1866), i.e. primarily industrial safety. This did not
assigned in 1917 to the newly established Reich Office
change even after the foundation of the Reich (1871).
for Economics. However, the call for an independent
The Reich Chancellery, in charge of interior admin-
Reich Office for Social Affairs continued. On 4 October
istration, dealt with social affairs. The Reich Chancel-
1918, one month before the collapse of the empire, in
lery was established in 1878 as the central office of the
the course of constitutional reform and the formation
Reich Chancellor. The Reich Chancellery was renamed
of a government legitimised by parliament, the Reich
Reich Office of the interior in 1879. The Department for
Labour Office was established under State Secretary
Trade and Commerce, which, amongst other things,
Gustav Bauer, member of the SPD Reichstag faction,
was in charge of social security legislation and indus-
this being the birth of the Ministry of Labour. The Reich
trial safety, was formed in 1880.
Office of Labour initially only comprised three depart-
Efforts made by social reformers, Social Democrats and
ments: Dept. I Labour affairs and commercial business
the Centre Party at establishing a central authority for
affairs; Dept. II Insurance for workers and employees;
socio-political issues were initially unsuccessful. As the
Dept. III housing and settlement affairs.
workload in respect to economic issues continually
Top left-hand picture: Prince Max von Baden, the last Reich Chancellor of the German Empire (3 October – 9 November 1918). The Government of Max von Baden
was the first government of the empire which was legitimised by parliament. Its power base consisted of the majority in the Reichtag from the Progress Party,
Centre and the SPD, and initiated fundamental reforms.
Top right-hand picture: From the beginning of October 1918 as State Secretary in the Cabinet of Max von Baden, SPD Reichstag member Gustav Bauer took
on the leadership of the newly founded Reich Labour Office.
Right-hand side: The foundation certificate of the Reich Labour Office.
51
52
1700 to 1871
The Prussian Era
1700 to 1871
The coronation of the Brandenburg Prince Elector Frederick III in 1701 as King Frederick I of Prussia sparked off
Berlin’s Prussian era. It ended with the foundation of the German Reich in 1871. This was the era of Frederick the
Great, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars and the German Revolution of 1848. However, it was also the
era of the Industrial Revolution, and thus of the “social issue” of the workers and the workers’ movement. It was
one of the great eras of the city in terms of architectural history. Karl Ludwig Truchseß Graf zu Waldenburg began
with the construction of the palace at Wilhelmplatz 9 in 1737. When the owner of the building died, the Order of
St John of Jerusalem took over the palace and completed it.
Small picture: King Frederick William I set up a powerful army, but waged no wars. “I want to be the Field Marshal and Minister of Finance for the King of Prussia,
that will do the King of Prussia good,” he said about himself. Painting by Antoine Pesne, around 1733.
Large picture: View of the staircase of the former Ritterschaftsbank (today the southern extension of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs), 2008.
53
54
1700 to 1871
Right-hand picture: A metropolis of significant buildings is taking shape: the French
Cathedral (1705), the Arsenal (1706), the Opera
House (1743), the German Cathedral (1750),
Prince Heinrich Palace (1766), later the University, the Theatre (1774), the Royal Library (1780),
the Brandenburg Gate (1791), the New Guard
Room (1817), the Castle Bridge (1819), the Old
Museum (1823) on the Museum Island. The
coloured copperplate engraving shows Unter
den Linden with the Arsenal and Prince Heinrich Palace (on the right), Crown Prince Palace.
Right-hand map: Street map of Friedrichstadt.
Royal seat of the Prussian kings
Rise to a metropolis
King Frederick I unified Berlin, Cölln, Friedrichs-
Friedrichstadt did not proceed swiftly, the King put
werder, Dorotheenstadt and Friedrichstadt in 1709
pressure on the nobility to settle in the northern part
to form the new royal seat of Berlin. City planners
of Wilhelmstraße, which was considered an exclusive
and master builders such as Andreas Schlüter, Carl
residential area with large plots of land. He offered
Gotthard Langhans, Johann Gottfried Schadow and
“various freedoms in grace and favour” and spent
in particular Karl Friedrich Schinkel set the tone for a
money on building materials. Karl Ludwig Truchseß
centre that was as impressive as it was representative.
Graf zu Waldenburg from southern Germany began
King Frederick William I (1713–40) built squares that
building the Palace at Wilhelmplatz 9 in 1737. When
shaped the cityscape. The building of Friedrichstadt
the owner of the building died, the Order of St John of
began as early as 1688 south of Unter den Linden.
Jerusalem had to take over and complete the palace
One of the newly created streets was Wilhelmstraße
in 1737, hence the name “Ordenspalais” (Palace of the
with the Wilhelmsmarkt. When the settlement of
Order of St John).
Von 1700 to 1871
N
55
56
From the Order of St John to the Prince Karl Palace
Schinkel gives the building a new face
The Order of St John did not take over Waldenburg
The splendour and peak of city development fell in
Palace voluntarily. King Frederick William I placed
the era of Frederick William II (1786–97) and Frederick
an obligation on the order, of which he himself was a
Wilhelm III. (1797–1840). The great master builders,
member, to complete the unfinished palace as a repre-
Schinkel in particular, gave the Prussian capital its
sentative seat of the Order in Berlin. On 11 May 1738
own, unmistakable character.
the Order of the king was issued to Margrave Carl von
The Ordenspalais passed to the new Grand Master,
Schwedt, the Grand Master of the Order: “Your High-
Prince Ferdinand of Prussia in 1762, who resided in it
ness, kind dear cousin. Since you and the Order of St
until 1810. The Order was dissolved in 1810, the Palace
John have no palace in Berlin, I have found it good that
reverted to King Frederick William III. In 1826, the third
the house of the deceased General Major Gr. Truchses
son, Prince Karl, took over the palace and acquired the
in Friedrichstadt shall be taken for this purpose and
property on the eastern side of the square.
fully converted.”
Left-hand picture: Together with the architect von Knobelsdorff, after his accession to the throne in 1740 Frederick the Great planned the development of the
eastern end of Unter den Linden with the Opera, St Hedwig’s Cathedral, the Prince Heinrich Palace and the Royal Library, as well as the new royal palace, which
was however not built. Painting by Anton Graff, 1781.
Middle picture: The Prince Karl Palace was comprehensively converted by Schinkel in 1826/27. He arranged for the removal of the high roof with the attic superstructure and redesigned the facade in strictly neoclassical form. The interior of the building was also converted according to Schinkel´s drawings. View before
the conversion.
Right-hand picture: Development of the city of Berlin until the early 19th century.
1700 to 1871
1738
57
58
1700 to 1871
Evolution into a government quarter
The Prussian palaces are turned into ministries
The development of the area around Wilhelmstraße
several buildings on Wilhelmstraße, for example the
into a government quarter began in the early 19th
Prussian Ministry of Justice. Wilhelmstraße became
century. In 1799, the Prussian state acquired the palace
the central, representative place of Prussian admin-
at no. 74 as the official residence of the incumbent
istration and authorities. Even the foreign repre-
Great Chancellor. The palace at no. 76 followed in 1819
sentatives at the Prussian court sought proximity to
as the official seat of the Foreign Ministry. When the
Wilhelmstraße and became established here or in the
premises were no longer sufficient, part of the ministry
surrounding area (Tiergarten, Pariser Platz).
moved into the Ordenspalais at Wilhelmplatz 9 from
1820 to 1826. The palace at no. 76 was the residence of
several Foreign Ministers in rapid succession. In 1862,
Otto von Bismarck moved into the palace as Prussian
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Prussian kings continued the policy initiated around 1800 to convert or renovate palaces in
Wilhelmstraße and its vicinity and to put them to use
for the government. Friedrich August Stüler became
the busiest architect in Berlin in the first half of the 19th
century. His tutor Karl Friedrich Schinkel designed
Bottom picture: The office building of the Foreign Ministry, Wilhelmstraße 76, picture taken in the 1860s. Otto von Bismarck resided here from 1862 to 1878 as
Prussian Prime Minister and later as Reich Chancellor.
1700 to 1871
The freedom that I mean
A ministry for workers
Industrialisation brought about a variety of social
us from them. We, your most obedient servants, there-
injustices. This included the decline of traditional
fore venture to address Your Majesty with the proposal
economic systems, falling wages due to a surplus on
to create a ministry, a ministry for workers which,
the labour market, working hours of more than twelve
however, can only be comprised of employers and
hours per day, working at night and on Sundays. There
employees and whose members may only be elected
was no old-age pension provision, accident insurance
from the midst of both.”
or protection against arbitrary actions by superiors.
In the preliminary parliament to the national assembly
Wage-earners’ working and living conditions were
in St Paul’s Church in Frankfurt in 1848, the radical
deplorable.
Democratic MP Gustav Struve called for the following
During the March Revolution in 1848, workers declared
in his 15-point programme: “Elimination of the plight
at an assembly in the Tiergarten in Berlin in a peti-
of the working classes and of the middle classes,
tion on 13 March: “The state prospers and thrives only
compensation for the disparity between work and
where the people can satisfy its necessities of life
capital by way of a special Ministry of Labour to protect
through work and assert its claims as feeling individ-
labour and safeguard a share in the profit from work.”
uals. We are being suppressed by capitalists and profiteers; the legislation existing now is not able to protect
Left-hand picture: Prussian King Frederick William IV (1840–61) refused to accept the Imperial Crown offered by the national assembly “because it bears the
rank smell of the revolution”.
Right-hand picture: As a consequence of the revolutionary disturbances in France in February 1848, the call for freedom and unity was uttered ever louder also
in the German states. A rebellion took place in March 1848 – in Berlin and many other German cities, as well as in Vienna. The revolution failed. But the call for
freedom and unity did not die away. The barricade at Kronenstraße and Friedrichstraße in Berlin on 18 March 1848. F.G. Nordmann, 1848.
59
60
The Kleisthaus
The Kleisthaus
A banking house becomes part of a ministry
The castle builder and restorer Bodo Ebhardt was one
of the most successful German architects around the
turn of the century. The Kleisthaus was built according
to his plans between 1912 and 1913. It symbolises the
revival of neoclassicism around 1910. The facade
features reliefs by Georg Kolbe. The commercial
building faced with lacustrine limestone was first the
seat of the former von der Heydt banking house on
the edge of the Berlin financial district. Architect Prof.
Kleihues, the curators of historic buildings and monuments and the constructors treated the building as
a single monument, highly rating its significance in
terms of architectural history. The condition in which
it was found after the GDR era made fundamental
refurbishment necessary.
Large picture: The glass-roofed lobby of the Kleisthaus, 2008.
Small picture: The stairwell to the Kleisthaus, 2008.
61
62
The Kleisthaus
A fresh start
behind a historic facade
The Kleisthaus was completely refurbished and partially redesigned in the period from 1997 to 2001. Today, the
Kleisthaus is part of the building complex of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Architect Prof. Kleihues created a modern visitors centre behind the historic facade of the building. The Kleisthaus has furthermore
been the official residence of the Federal Government Commissioner for the Interests of the Disabled since 2001.
The place for art and culture
“FOR ALL COMERS”
The motto “FOR ALL COMERS” is meant seriously and is taken seriously. Art projects, lectures, concerts and film
showings at the Kleisthaus show that it is a venue for people of all ages with and without disabilities. Barrier-free
access is consistently implemented: the programme of events also allows people with visuel or hearing impairments or physical disabilities to access the art and culture by means of modern communication technologies.
A variety of events and exhibitions focusing on themes such as variety and exclusion contribute to a perception by
which individuals with disabilities are accepted as a natural part of our society.
Large picture: Historic lift in the Kleisthaus, 2008.
Small picture: Concert, 2008.
63
64
Art in the Ministry
Art in the Ministry
By contributing government funds for art in public
buildings was expanded and put into more concrete
representative buildings, the state highlights its
terms by virtue of a decree. This arrangement was
cultural responsibility. In this way, it acts as a sponsor
maintained in the Federal Republic of Germany.
for art and culture. Art in the context of buildings
However, it was not until artists’ social insurance was
enhances the national cultural added value, and can
introduced in 1983 that all independent artists and
hence be seen as a national calling card.
publicists were afforded protection by the pension,
Art in buildings is furthermore significant in terms
health and nursing care insurance schemes.
of cultural history. Based on an initiative by the Reich
Artists´Association, the first German democracy
committed itself to involving artists and intellectuals
in new public building projects back in 1928. In 1934,
the involvement of artists and craftsmen in public
Picture: Revolving exhibition on the ground floor in Wilhelmstraße, 2008.
65
66
Art in the Ministry
This page: The painting “Rest eines Traums” (“Remainder of a dream”) and “K. im
Glassaal” (“K. in a glass hall”) by the painter Peter Chevalier, who was born in Karlsruhe
in 1953, is one of numerous works of art in the ministry.
Right-hand side: Felix Droese´s series of paintings entitled “Stiere” (“Bulls”). The
bulls were painted directly on the walls using various colours and application techniques. In broader terms, this is to symbolise the united Europe.
Art in the Ministry
Art is a permanent fixture in the ministry within the
overall complex at Wilhelmstraße 49. The glass-roofed
courtyard of the four-storey solid structure, faced with
lacustrine limestone, houses the steel-and-glass sculpture designed by Daniel Buren in 2001, “La Grande
Fenêtre”. The French artist, who participated in the
Documenta in Kassel in 1972, has created an inviting
eye-catcher in the entrance to the ministry. The 8 x 8
metre chessboard with its yellow and blue squares
aims to encourage the viewer to free inspirations with
its fresh colours (see page 13).
In the historic Steinsaal (Stone Hall), one can see today
the work of art entitled “Sternenruhe” (“Star silence”)
by Peter Chevalier. Chevalier’s works are characterised
in particular by their surreal style.
Felix Droese´s series of paintings entitled “Stiere”
(“Bulls”) deals with the work of the Ministry. The
topics of labour and social affairs are highlighted in a
humorous way by the portrayal of expressive animals.
The bulls were painted directly onto the walls using
various colours and application techniques. Indeed,
following the tradition of his tutor Joseph Beuys, one
of them was sculpted out of cow dung, clay and tar
paint; in a broader sense, this work aims to symbolise
the united Europe. Droese´s work of art explores
the concepts of power and energy with the use of
strong symbols: artistic power aims to bring positive
elements into the former building of the Ministry of
Propaganda.
67
68
Kunst am Bau
“Today ś world is immersed
in an ocean of messages,
the deciphering of which always
poses challenges in terms of
logic and combination.”
Carsten Nicolai
Art in the Ministry
The lobby to the library shows a multi-element work by
an exciting composition which invites the viewer to
Carsten Nicolai. The artist, who was born in Chemnitz
continually reflect on the world.
in 1965 and studied landscape architecture, explored
In the courtyard of the new building stands a life-
the topic of books and reading for this purpose, and
sized bronze figure by the sculptor Waldemar Otto
eventually created three murals based on the aliena-
from 2000, which forms part of the cycle entitled
tion of bar codes. This work is inspired by the impor-
“Mensch und Maß” (“Man and measure”). The artist,
tance of deciphering work as a major element of the
who was born in Poland, lives in Worpswede and is a
tasks of linguists, archaeologists, astronomers or mili-
Professor (emeritus) at Bremen Design University, has
tary experts.
attained international fame through many awards
The works of Thom Barth, which were created as a
and exhibitions. Otto is considered to be one of the
direct allusion to the concepts of labour and social
most significant figure sculptors of the post-war era.
affairs, mainly visualise Germany’s more recent history.
The relationship between man and the environment
With his 186 small and large drawings, Barth created
is an essential element of his works of art.
Left-hand picture: Work by Carsten Nicolai
Right-hand picture: Drawing by Thom Barth
69
70
Annex
Appendix
Archiv für Kunst und Geschichte (akg): p. 27 right, p. 34, p. 36, p. 39 right, p. 43
Bildarchiv Preußischer Kulturbesitz (bpk): p. 35 middle, p. 39 left, p. 41 left, p. 44 top, p. 47, p. 52, p. 54, p. 56 left, p. 58, p. 59 left, p. 59 right
Bundesbildstelle: p. 9, p. 17 top left
BUTTER. Agentur für Werbung GmbH: p. 1
Prof. Dr. Laurenz Demps, Berlin: p. 20
Federal Archive: p. 23 left: Photo 183-M1204-317, Photographer: Herbert Donath; p. 25 left: Photo 183-S97933, Photographer: Kümpf;
pp. 30–31: Photo 183-S18094, Photographer: n/a; p. 40: Photo 183-1984-0614-504, Photographer: n/a; p. 51
Federal Archive Foundation of the Parties and Mass Membership Organisations of the GDR: p. 25 right
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs: p. 6, p. 15 top right, p. 17 top right
Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning: p. 46
hiepler, brunier architekturfotografie: p. 8, p. 13 top, p. 15 bottom left, p. 15 bottom right
Enno Hurlin, Berlin: p. 63
André Kirchner: p. 67
Kleihues + Kleihues architects’ office, Berlin: p. 10 top left, p. 10 top right, p. 13 middle, p. 18
Eckehardt Kuntzsch, Berlin: p. 10 bottom
Landes- und Zentralbibliothek Berlin: p. 48
Landesarchiv Berlin: p. 25, p. 55
Landesbildstelle Berlin: p. 23 right, p. 44 bottom
Thomas Ludewig, Berlin. Geschichte einer deutschen Metropole, C. Bertelsmann, Munich 1986: p. 57
Andreas Mühe, Berlin: p. 16, p. 19, p. 21, p. 28, p. 37, p. 42, p. 48, p. 53, p. 60, p. 61, p. 62, p. 64
Stefan Müller: p. 15 top left, p. 68
Neues Deutschland: p. 24
ullstein bild: p. 13 bottom, p. 22, p. 27 left, p. 29, p. 41 right, p. 50 left, p. 50 right
VEB Tourist-Verlag, Berlin/Leipzig (1986): p. 26
VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn (2002): p. 66, p. 69
Zentralblatt der Bauverwaltung (9/1935): p. 33, p. 35 top, p. 35 bottom, p. 44 middle, p. 56 right
Before going to press the publisher attempted to find all owners of pictorial rights. Persons and institutions who may not have been reached and who claim rights in
pictures that have been used are requested to contact the publishers.
71
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