Rathaus Spandau

On a crisp Berlin morning in 1913, the Rathaus Spandau stood proudly. Its 80-meter tower pierced the sky. A symbol of Spandau’s prosperity and independence. Rathaus Spandau was completed after three years of construction. Designed by Heinrich Reinhardt and Georg Süssenguth, the town hall showcased a blend of architectural styles. Hints of baroque influences graced its facade. The grand opening took place on September 15, 1913. This was exactly 18 years after the inauguration of the Synagogue am Lindenufer. The Jewish community of Spandau had gifted a stained-glass window for the marriage room. The Siemens & Halske AG donated the central clock system. Inside, the Rathaus Spandau was less ornate. This was a cost-saving measure. Faux marble paint adorned the walls, mimicking the look of the expensive stone. The structure itself was entirely brick-built. The tower’s vaults incorporated arches into the main pillars. This design was similar to sacred buildings. An elevator, now in ruins, once carried visitors to the lantern. The Rathaus Spandau wasn’t just a beautiful building. It was a functional space. It housed the mayor’s apartment. This apartment was later converted into offices in 1936. Traces of the original apartment, like the parquet flooring and kitchen tiles, can still be found. A connecting building, once the police station, is linked to the main building. Locals nicknamed this connection the “Beamtenlaufbahn,” or “civil servant’s career path.” Although World War II brought significant damage, the Rathaus Spandau was rebuilt. The restoration, however, was simpler than the original design. Two small towers and the original main tower’s dome were lost. The richly decorated entrance hall regained some of its former glory. This happened during a restoration in the late 1980s. The remaining decorations were covered. The opulent halls were simplified in the 1950s. Simple geometric figures now adorn the walls. A sculpture called “Eselreiter” by August Gaul graces the entrance hall. Today, Rathaus Spandau serves as the administrative center for the Spandau district. The Spandau District Assembly also meets here. It stands as a testament to Spandau’s rich history. A journey to the end of the U7 line brings you directly to its doorstep.