Once upon a time this spot was not filled with shops but with deceased dogs. The M\u00fcllerhalle before you stands on a site with a surprising past. Before 1950 a dog cemetery was located here.
Let’s dive into the story of the M\u00fcllerhalle. It is more than just a shopping location. It reflects Berlin’s history and transformation.
The original M\u00fcllerhalle emerged during the economic boom of the 1950s. The M\u00fcllerstra\u00dfe was then known as the Ku’damm of the North. It was a time when the area flourished. New specialty shops and department stores opened. This market hall filled a void. The northwest of Berlin had lost its market halls in the early 20th century.
Before the M\u00fcllerhalle was built, this land served a unique purpose. Veterinarians Wernicke and Mey established a dog cemetery here in 1900. It was part of a larger veterinary practice specializing in dogs. The practice included barracks for in-patient care and a dog pension. Around 300 to 400 dogs were buried on the site.
The original M\u00fcllerhalle bustled with activity. It housed two supermarkets and various shops. There was a shoemaker and even a horse butcher. You could find a drugstore among its offerings. Thirty-five market stalls added to the vibrant atmosphere. Retail shops lined the front of the building facing M\u00fcllerstra\u00dfe.
After 1990 the M\u00fcllerstra\u00dfe saw a decline in purchasing power. Large shopping centers opened nearby. Several industrial plants in West Berlin closed. This affected many working-class residents of Wedding.
The M\u00fcllerhalle experienced its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s. There were waiting lists for market hall spaces. The stalls were well-attended. Some even offered upscale products.
In its final years before demolition many market stalls stood empty. Operators cut back on cleaning and maintenance. The hall manager was dismissed. Loudspeaker announcements promoting new offers disappeared. The property management changed frequently.
At the end of 2012 the original building was demolished. A new M\u00fcllerhalle opened in December 2013. It features approximately 5,550 square meters of retail space. There is also around 5,460 square meters of floor space. A large Kaufland supermarket occupies the upper floor. Smaller shops and a café are located on the ground floor. A parking garage is in the rear.
Architect Oliver Merz designed the new building. Its dark gray facade sparked controversy among residents. The new M\u00fcllerhalle represents a shift. It moved from a traditional market hall to a modern shopping center.
The M\u00fcllerhalle stands as a testament to Berlin’s evolving urban landscape. From a dog cemetery to a bustling market hall and now a modern retail space, its story reflects the city’s dynamic history. Take a moment to imagine the echoes of the past mingling with the present-day bustle of shoppers.