Auenkirche

Gazing at the Auenkirche, have you ever considered its journey through time? This magnificent structure, nestled in Berlin’s vibrant Wilmersdorf district, has witnessed the ebb and flow of history since its consecration in 1897. Initially known as the “Evangelical Church of Deutsch-Wilmersdorf,” the Auenkirche, named after its location on the former village green, Wilhelmsaue, stands as the third stone church in Wilmersdorf’s heart. The original medieval village church, believed to have been built before 1237, succumbed to a fire in 1766. Its successor, erected in 1772, met its end not by disaster, but by decree, making way for the grand Auenkirche we see today. Designed by Max Spitta, the Auenkirche exemplifies the Neo-Gothic style of the Berlin Historicism movement. Its red brick facade, a nod to North German Brick Gothic, boasts pointed arches, buttresses, and a towering 63-meter spire. Inside, the church reveals its cruciform layout, a tribute to medieval Gothic tradition. A complete, encircling gallery enhances the sense of space and light, a feature accentuated during the 1992-1994 restoration. This restoration retained the white interior paint, chosen for its brightness and adaptability for the church’s multifunctional spaces beneath the galleries. The Auenkirche houses a remarkable artistic treasure: a glass mosaic above the main portal. This mosaic, composed of approximately 70,000 colored glass pieces, depicts the resurrected Christ as the ruler of the world (Majestas Domini). The church also showcases rare 1970s sacred art. Waldemar Otto’s three-part bronze relief with a crucifix, created in 1977, graces the altar. Joachim Dunkel’s crucifixion sculpture, crafted in 1978, adorns the baptismal font. Music resonates within these hallowed walls. The Auenkirche boasts one of Berlin’s largest and most significant organs. Initially built by Furtwängler & Hammer in 1898 with 41 registers, the organ has undergone several expansions and restorations, now boasting 82 registers and approximately 6,000 pipes. This “universal organ” allows for the authentic performance of diverse musical styles, from Baroque church music to late Romantic masterpieces. The Auenkirche continues to serve as a vibrant hub for the community. Known for its exceptional acoustics, the church hosts numerous musical performances, and has been a frequent location for recordings. The Auenkirche stands not merely as a building, but as a testament to the enduring power of faith, art, and community in the heart of Berlin.