Reunification
The official German reunification ceremony on October 3, 1990, was held at the Reichstag building, including Bundeskanzler Helmut Kohl, Bundespräsident Richard von Weizsäcker, former Bundeskanzler Willy Brandt and many others. It was a touching event with huge fireworks, fondly remembered by many. One day later, the parliament of the united Germany would assemble in an act of symbolism in the Reichstag building.
However, at that time, the role of Berlin had not yet been decided upon. Only after a fierce debate, considered by many one of the most memorable sessions of parliament, the Bundestag concluded on June 20, 1991, with a quite slim majority that both government and parliament should return from Bonn to Berlin.
In 1992, Sir Norman Foster won yet another architectual contest for the reconstruction of the building. His winning concept looked very different from what was later executed.
Before reconstruction began, the Reichstag was wrapped by Bulgarian artist Christo in 1995, attracting millions of visitors.
Reichstag building at night, 2002
Related Travel Information
The victory column (in German: Siegessäule) is one of the more famous sights of Berlin. Originally designed by Heinrich Strack after 1864 to commemorate the victory of Prussia in the Danish-Prussian war, by the time it was inaugurated on 2 September 1873, Prussia had also defeated Austria in the Austro-Prussian War and France in the Franco-Prussian War (1870/1871), giving the statue a new purpose. Different from the original plans, these later victories inspired the addition of the bronze sculpture of Victoria of 8.3 meters height and 35 metric tons of weight, designed by Friedrich Drake. Berliners, with their fondness for
The Reichsbank was one of the central banks of Germany.
It was founded on 1st January 1876 - shortly after the initial unification of Germany in 1871. The Reichsbank was founded by the take over of the central bank of Prussia. Its first president was Herrmann von Dechend.
Before the unification in 1871 Germany had 31 central banks - the Notenbanken (note banks). Each of the independent states issued their own money. In 1870 a law was passed that forbid the formation of further central banks. In 1874 a banking law was put in front of the Reichstag (the German parliament). After
Museum fùr Kommunikation Berlin (Museum for Communication)
This magnificent building in Leipziger Straße has been extensively renovated and has re-opened in 2000. It contains the united collections from east and west. In the basement you can admire the Blue Mauritius and Bell’s first telephone. The architecture of this builing is worth a visit alone. Admission free
The Rathaus Schöneberg is the city hall for the Borough of Schöneberg in Berlin. It was constructed between 1911-1914 for Schöneberg, at that time an independent city not yet incorporated into Berlin. After World War II, with Berlin divided, the Rote Rathaus (Red City Hall), the traditional seat of the Berlin government, was off limits to West Berlin. As a 'temporary' measure the Rathaus Schöneberg on Rudolph-Wilde-Platz became the city hall for West Berlin. After the re-unification, the Rote Rathaus has been once again the city hall for a united Berlin.
Rathaus Schöneberg on Rudolph-Wilde-Platz is the location where US President
The Berlin exhibition of a larger collection owned by Mr. and Ms. Hoffmann, housed here since 1998 in its own specially restored building complex. The main focus is on West European and American art in various media. The exhibition covers Western European and North American works of art in the most different media, raises thereby however no musealen requirement, but shows, how one lives and works with and in contemporary art. In each case in the summer those of hoping man change their installations.
Connection: U Weinmeisterstr.
Address: Sophie-Gipshofe (between Sophienstr. and Gipsstr.), Berlin-Mitte
Openings: Sat 1 1am -5pm, by
