Expressionist brickwork tells a story. Here, the Rathaus Neuenhagen rises almost 42 meters. It is a unique combination of town hall and water tower. Built in 1925 and 1926, this architectural rarity stands on the former Mühlenberg.
Berlin’s city surveyor Wilhelm Wagner designed it. The Rathaus Neuenhagen’s facade makes it a landmark. The coat of arms of Neuenhagen features it. In 2011, the modern town hall extension was inaugurated.
Let’s explore its history. The heart of the Rathaus Neuenhagen is the council chamber. You will find it designed in the Bauhaus style. Horizontal stripes in colors from reddish-brown to bright yellow encircle the room. These stripes are about one meter wide. The council chamber was named after Max Thormann in 2001. He was the town leader when the Rathaus Neuenhagen was constructed. A careful refurbishment from 1996 to 2001 restored the chamber to its former glory.
Hand-made stained glass windows enhance the room. Crafted from Goethe glass, they add to the chamber’s character. The windows disappeared sometime in the 1950s. Fortunately, three have been reconstructed using original designs.
Originally, the Rathaus Neuenhagen housed more than just administrative offices. Four apartments for officials were within its walls. A restaurant called Ratskeller was located in the basement.
Above the offices, the water tank sits in the middle tower. This tower has an area of 11 by 11 meters. Two wings flank it. The water tank held 1,000 cubic meters. It has been empty since 1994.
A staircase follows the reinforced concrete shell. It leads to an observation deck. Forty meters in the air, a magnificent view awaits. You can see Berlin and the Brandenburg countryside.
The Rathaus Neuenhagen is planning something special for 2026. They are planning the reconstruction of the staircase window. It is timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the water tower. The design aligns with the Bauhaus style. It complements the reconstructed glass windows in the council chamber.
Diplom restorer and glass painter Ilona Berkei created the design. She has worked with historical stained glass windows for over 20 years. Her design includes 30 art fields. Each measures 30 x 70 cm. These combine to create a unified image. The design features geometric forms. It uses typical Bauhaus colors.
The restoration of the staircase window costs over 74,000 euros. Donations will fund this project. Contributors can have their names displayed. They can be on the glass field or a donor board. They will also receive a certificate and recognition on the town’s website.
The Rathaus Neuenhagen stands as a symbol. It symbolizes architectural innovation and community pride. Its unique design combines practical function with artistic flair. From its expressionist facade to its Bauhaus interior, the Rathaus Neuenhagen embodies a fascinating history. It offers an inspiring view of the region.