Ironically, the Ernst-Reuter-Haus, named after a champion of democracy, began under a very different ideology. This imposing structure on the Straße des 17. Juni started its life in 1938. It was intended as a grand building for the German Municipal Council. A brainchild of Hitler himself, the Ernst-Reuter-Haus was part of his vision for “Welthauptstadt Germania.” It stands as the only structure actually realized along the planned East-West Axis. Imagine, five million Reichsmark, roughly 24 million euros today, poured into this project. The money was raised through a levy on all German municipalities. Architect Walter Schlempp oversaw the construction. He had the support of Karl Elkart who designed the striking facade. Parts of the building were occupied as early as 1940 by Speer’s construction team. The German Municipal Council finally moved into the west wing in 1942. The war interrupted construction that same year, leaving the central section and main entrance unfinished. Though damaged during the war, the Ernst-Reuter-Haus survived. After the war, it served a new purpose. From 1945 to 1951, the Allied forces controlled the building. It was later granted to the German Association of Cities. The building’s namesake, Ernst Reuter, Berlin’s mayor and president of the association, died in 1953. The association decided to rename the building in his honor. The Ernst-Reuter-Haus has seen many changes over the years. It housed parts of the Technical University of Berlin after the Berlin Wall was built. Later, it underwent extensive renovations. A modern conference center, offices, and even a cafeteria were added. In more recent times, the Ernst-Reuter-Haus was sold, renovated again, and finally became the home of the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning in 2012. So, as you stand before the Ernst-Reuter-Haus, remember its complex journey. It is a testament to adaptation. From its origins in a dark chapter of history, it has transformed into a symbol of German federalism.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to