“Freedom and life can be taken from us but not our honor” These famous words echo through history. They were spoken right here at the Otto-Wels-Haus. This imposing building on Unter den Linden stands as a testament to courage and defiance. It’s more than just an office building. It’s a symbol of democratic resilience in the face of tyranny.
The Otto-Wels-Haus wasn’t always known by this name. Originally constructed between 1962 and 1965 it housed the Ministry for Foreign and Intra-German Trade under the GDR. Architects Emil Leibold Herbert Boos and Hanno Walther designed this impressive structure. It boasted eight sections 430 offices a large hall for 300 people and smaller meeting rooms. Even a fountain and a sculpture graced its courtyard.
After German reunification the building underwent a massive renovation. Architects Brands Kolbe and Wernik led the project. They retained the original steel-concrete frame. They added a floor and incorporated neoclassical elements. The result is the stunning building we see today.
The renaming of the Otto-Wels-Haus in 2017 was no accident. It commemorates Otto Wels’ powerful speech against the Enabling Act in 1933. Despite the Nazi threat Wels stood firm. He delivered his impassioned speech in the Reichstag. He defended democratic principles in the face of overwhelming odds. His words a beacon of hope during a dark chapter in German history. His legacy lives on within these walls.
Today the Otto-Wels-Haus serves as offices for Bundestag members. Its lower floors house shops offering a vibrant connection to the bustling city life outside. The building’s past and present intertwine. It serves as a constant reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and resisting oppression. It’s a place where history comes alive. A place that inspires reflection and reminds us of the courage it takes to defend freedom. The Otto-Wels-Haus. A building with a story to tell. A story etched in courage and defiance.