Peace to those that come here joy to those that stay here blessings to those that move on. This is the motto of St Michaels Heim. A welcoming inscription at the entrance of this extraordinary place. Let’s explore its rich history together.
St Michaels Heim stands proudly in Berlin Grunewald a tranquil residential area. It’s nestled in a vast park right beside the Herthasee lake. This impressive complex centers around a former palace. It was originally built for the Mendelssohn family a prominent banking family. The palace was designed in the elegant English manor house style. Its design seamlessly blends with newer additions. The result is a harmonious and beautiful architectural ensemble.
The story of St Michaels Heim is more than just architecture. It’s a story of transformation and resilience. From 1898 to 1908 court architect Ernst von Ihme oversaw the construction. He built a luxurious palace for banker Franz von Mendelssohn. This was a relative of the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. The palace was even a replica of Kronberg Castle in the Taunus Mountains. Its halls hosted renowned figures such as Kaiser Wilhelm II Max Planck and even Albert Einstein. The latter is said to have played music in the now Salon Mendelssohn.
The family’s history intertwined with the building’s fate. After the death of Franz von Mendelssohn his son Robert inherited the family bank. He courageously refused its Aryanization by the Nazi regime. He preferred to wind up the bank instead. The building then fell into the hands of the German Reich. It was used by the Post Office and later by the Gestapo. The extensive Post Office technology enabled the Gestapo to tap communications throughout Grunewald. During World War II Allied bombs severely damaged the palace.
After the war the British occupying forces established a makeshift school here. Today’s church served as an auditorium. The current cinema was the school gymnasium. After the British moved the building was returned to the Mendelssohn heirs. It was hardly recognizable. They decided to sell the ruined building.
In 1957 the Johannisches Aufbauwerk a charitable organization acquired the property. They renamed it St Michaels Heim. The purchase was quite an undertaking. It was only possible because 1000 volunteers each donated one mark a week until the full amount was reached. From 1963 to 1967 the building was painstakingly restored. Architect Hans Georg Heinrich led the efforts. Many volunteers participated in the reconstruction.
Today St Michaels Heim continues its mission of community and hospitality. It houses a youth guest house a 3 star hotel and the restaurant St Michaels. The restaurant is also known as the Frommer Loeffel or Pious Spoon. It has a beer garden overlooking the lake. The complex also includes a daycare center a children’s home a dentist’s office and other social services. St Michaels Heim is a true testament to resilience renewal and the enduring spirit of community. It fulfills its original purpose as a place of meeting and fellowship for people from all walks of life. A place of peace joy and blessings.