What stories could these walls tell? We are standing in front of the Hotel Roter Adler. Also known as the Michaelsen Palais, it stands as a Jugendstil masterpiece. Otto Michaelsen designed it. It was constructed between 1903 and 1904. It is one of the most representative Art Nouveau buildings in Mitte.
Emil Vogt, a merchant, originally owned the building. Sadly, he had to sell it to the Winterthur insurance company just a year later. The insurance company used it until the war in 1914. The building then served various purposes. It was a court and a hotel.
Look closely at the facade. It is adorned with patriotic elements reflecting the era. You can spot a relief of Otto von Bismarck. Mythical ornaments remind us of Germany’s early times. These reflect the Grnderzeit style.
During World War II, the Hotel Roter Adler suffered severe damage. The corner towards Charlottenstrae was completely destroyed. During the DDR era, employees of the Tief- und Strassenbauamtes used it. After reunification in 1990, the Winterthur insurance company reclaimed it.
There was a plan to demolish it. But thankfully, landmark preservation prevented that. Between 1994 and 1996, it was thoroughly renovated. There was another renovation in 2001 to restore its original appearance. The architects Nalbach and Nalbach rebuilt it for around 40 million Mark.
Notice the rich details above the large gable. Kaiser Karl der Grosse and Wilhelm I are in an apotheosis. Between them, find the coat of arms. It has the Reichsadler. Saint George is also depicted. He is slaying the dragon, which is a symbol of the enemy. Hermes is above this scene. He is removing his wings. This symbolizes the honorable merchant returning to Germany.
Look to the sides of the gable. You will see Heinrich Friedrich Karl vom und zum Stein and Otto von Bismarck. These are the two Reich Chancellors of the 19th century. Floral Jugendstil motifs decorate the rest of the facade. Decorations from the Middle Ages and Romanesque braided ribbon ornaments cover the area. They also include the windows and doors.
Today, the Hotel Roter Adler stands proudly. It is a testament to Berlin’s rich architectural history. It is a beautiful reminder of the city’s resilience. The Hotel Roter Adler remains an eye-catching building.