Did you know that Haus 18 stands on Philippstrasse? It is more than just a building. Haus 18 carries whispers of scientific advancement and a poignant past.
Let’s delve into the story of Haus 18. This building is officially known as the Leonor-Michaelis-Haus. You can find Haus 18 on Campus Nord near Oranienburger Tor underground station.
Once, a different kind of structure stood in this area. Before World War II, a vibrant neighborhood thrived here. It included a Jewish senior home on Gerlachstrasse. This street no longer exists. During the war, Nazis seized the home. They used it as a collection camp for elderly Jews. These people were then transported to concentration camps. Over 2,000 Jewish people were held here during the winter of 1942-1943. They faced unimaginable horror.
In the late 1960s, the old neighborhood was razed. The Haus der Statistik and Karl-Marx-Allee replaced it. The senior home had been slated for preservation in 1955. Sadly, it was erased from public memory after demolition.
Today, Haus 18 is a place of learning. It houses part of Humboldt University. The building stands as a testament to Berlin’s resilience. It also symbolizes the city’s commitment to remembering its past. The Leonor-Michaelis-Haus is a place for science and remembrance.
The building at Schumannstrasse 18 was once a private clinic. It belonged to Professor Paul Strassmann. Max Fraenkel designed it. The clinic was built between 1908 and 1909. Today, it is an office building called Strassmann-Haus. It is a protected historic landmark.
Efforts are underway to ensure the past is not forgotten. The AndersErinnern project seeks to honor the former residents. It also remembers their fates during the Nazi era. This project collaborates with Berliners and artist R. Stein Wexler. The goal is a lasting memorial within the Haus der Statistik.
Haus 18 stands as a place of contrasts. It is a site of scientific research. It also serves as a reminder of a dark chapter in history. It links learning and memory.