Recall the roar of the crowd. It once filled Dynamo-Sporthalle. Today we stand before a building steeped in history. It is located on Weißenseer Weg. This is the Dynamo-Sporthalle.
Dynamo-Sporthalle was the first major sports facility completed at the Dynamo-Sportforum. The sports complex is now called Sportforum Berlin. In the East German era it was known as the Dynamo-Sportforum. The Dynamo-Sportforum began development in 1954. From 1955 to 1960 the original building ensemble was constructed. Walter Schmidt led the architectural collective. The Dynamo-Sporthalle is part of this original complex. The Dynamo-Sporthalle was completed in 1958.
VEB Industriebau Berlin built the sports hall. They worked for the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry for State Security of East Germany. After its completion adjoining sports halls were added to the north. These additions were finished by 1960. These halls accommodated judo, fencing, and ball sports. Today the Dynamo-Sporthalle and its adjoining halls are protected buildings of cultural importance.
Inside Dynamo-Sporthalle Wolfgang Frankenstein created mural and mosaic artworks. The Dynamo-Sporthalle can hold between 1700 and 4000 spectators. The capacity depends on the event. Inside, the large hall measures 64 meters long. It is 30 meters wide and 15 meters high.
Dynamo-Sporthalle hosted various sports. Gymnastics, handball, volleyball, judo and boxing were held here. Basketball, badminton, table tennis and archery were also played. The adjoining halls provided space for more activities. There were halls for volleyball, basketball, judo and fencing. Weight lifting rooms and meeting rooms were also available.
VC Olympia Berlin handball club calls Dynamo-Sporthalle home. The hall hosts national and international sports events. High-class events occur up to 230 days each year.
Dynamo-Sporthalle also served other purposes. Congresses, political mass meetings and balls took place here. The first Women’s Congress of the Democratic Women’s League of Germany happened here in 1964. BFC Dynamo held its annual tradition ball here. The voting of the BFC Dynamo player of the year was a highlight. Political VIPs and cultural figures attended. American singer Dean Reed performed at the ball in 1979. The Socialist Unity Party even renamed itself SED-PDS here during special party congresses in 1989.
From elite sports to political gatherings Dynamo-Sporthalle has seen it all. This building remains a testament to Berlin’s multifaceted history.