During the reconstruction, the building was first completely caved in, taking out everything except the outer walls - including all changes made by the Baumgarten work in the 1960s. The seat of parliament was transferred to the Reichstag in April 1999. The reconstruction is widely regarded as a success; at least it is obvious that the Reichstag, most importantly the huge glass cupola that was erected on the roof in memorance of the original 1894 cupola, is one of the most attractive sights for visitors to Berlin, giving an impressive view over the city, especially at night. The main hall of the parliament below can also be seen from the cupola. It is open to anyone without prior registration, although the waiting queues can be very long, especially in the summer.
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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
