Glancing up at the Rathaus Neukölln’s tower, I wonder if Fortuna, the copper goddess of fortune, has seen it all from her perch. She has overseen Neukölln’s transformation for over a century. The Rathaus Neukölln is more than just a pretty building. It is the heart of Neukölln’s district administration.
The Rathaus Neukölln we see today is not the first town hall. The first one stood on this very spot. It was a typical 19th-century Prussian building. It even housed the mayor’s apartment. A growing population meant a new town hall was needed.
Reinhold Kiehl designed the new Rathaus Neukölln. Construction took place from 1905 to 1909. Later, the building was expanded between 1911 and 1914. The Rathaus Neukölln’s architecture is inspired by the German Renaissance. The 68-meter-high tower is the building’s most striking feature.
Look at the top of the tower. There you will see the 2.20-meter-tall statue of Fortuna. Josef Rauch created this copper statue. It has stood there since 1908. Fortuna is special because she moves. She always faces the direction the wind is blowing.
During World War II, the Rathaus Neukölln suffered heavy damage from a fire. The Nazis ordered the arson. The fire damaged Fortuna.
After the war, the Rathaus Neukölln was rebuilt in the 1950s. The reconstruction was simplified. The building was expanded with new additions. The newest part was completed in 1955.
The Rathaus Neukölln is a landmark. It stands as a symbol of Neukölln’s resilience. It shows the district’s ability to rebuild. The Rathaus Neukölln has seen Neukölln grow from a small town. It now watches it as a diverse Berlin district. Next time you pass by, remember Fortuna. She continues to watch over Neukölln. She is ready to bring good fortune.