Schicklerhaus

Hidden in plain sight, the Schicklerhaus stands as a silent witness to Berlin’s ever-changing story. This neoclassical gem, nestled near the Jannowitzbrücke, whispers tales of political intrigue, artistic expression, and commercial ambition. The Schicklerhaus earned its name from the adjacent Schicklerstraße. This naming, post-reunification, was a marketing tactic and has no connection to the historical Schickler brothers’ bank. Built in 1910 by Hiller & Kuhlmann, the Schicklerhaus sprawled across an impressive 4,360 square meters. Three main courtyards and four light wells pierced its structure, allowing sunlight to filter into the bustling businesses within. Shops occupied the ground floor, while the upper levels housed offices of various companies and political parties. In 1917, the USPD established their Berlin office within these walls. The Schicklerhaus also served as a hub for intellectual discourse. From 1930 to 1933, the Marxist Workers’ School held lectures here, graced by luminaries like Albert Einstein and Hermann Duncker. Even after wartime damage, the Schicklerhaus continued to play a vital role. The Allied Kommandatura assigned the building to the German Domestic and Foreign Trade Food company. A plaque once adorned the Schicklerhaus, commemorating the founding congress of the Free Socialist Youth in 1918 and Karl Liebknecht’s address to its delegates. During the GDR era, the building housed various foreign trade companies. These include Fruchtimpex, Germed, the German Export and Import Company for Precision Mechanics and Optics, and LIMEX. After reunification, extensive reconstruction transformed the Schicklerhaus. From 1997 to 1999, engineers modernized the building. It then served as the headquarters for Deutsche Bahn AG until around 2005. The Schicklerhaus then welcomed a mix of smaller businesses, including an event company and a travel agency. By 2007, larger corporations like Vamed Deutschland GmbH and Daimler AG took up residence. Daimler established its shared service center for accounting functions here. The Schicklerhaus also drew in IT companies, advertising agencies, and organizations like the German Travel Association (DRV) and the Öko-Institut. Today, the Schicklerhaus, also known as BEAM, continues to evolve. Its history remains etched into its stones, a testament to its enduring presence in the heart of Berlin.