Dreams of emperors and revolutions linger here. We are standing at Schloßplatz in Berlin. This square is more than just an open space. It is a stage for German history.
Schloßplatz sits on Museum Island. It is framed by the Berlin Palace to the north and the Neue Marstall to the east. The Staatsratsgebäude is on the south side and Schloßfreiheit on the west. The square’s restoration was completed recently, between 2017 and 2023. This coincided with the reconstruction of the Berlin Palace. The Palace now houses the Humboldt Forum.
Before the square, this area hosted a tournament ground in the 16th century. Joachim II, a prince-elector, commissioned it. This Stechbahn was for equestrian games. Later, the street named “An der Stechbahn” reminded people of this past. The street disappeared in 1866 due to construction.
The Berlin Palace stood among three open spaces. The Lustgarten was to the north. Schloßfreiheit was by the Spree Canal to the west. Schloßplatz was to the south. In 1830, mass gatherings and unrest occurred during the Schneiderrevolution.
In 1891, the Schloßbrunnen was erected on Schloßplatz. Reinhold Begas designed it. The city council gifted it to Kaiser Wilhelm II. Today, we know it as the Neptunbrunnen.
After World War II, initial plans aimed to rebuild the damaged palace. City building director Richard Ermisch wanted to relocate the equestrian statue of the Great Elector. It was originally on the Rathausbrücke. He planned to place it on the eastern edge of Schloßplatz.
However, in 1950, the SED party leadership decided to demolish the palace. This happened despite international protests. The Neptunbrunnen was stored. It was re-erected in 1969 between the Marienkirche and the Rotes Rathaus.
In 1951, the cleared area was renamed Marx-Engels-Platz. This included the Lustgarten, Schloßfreiheit, and the historical Schloßplatz. The square served as the start and finish for the DDR-Rundfahrt cycling race. A grandstand was built for the DDR’s party and state leadership. The rest of the area became a parade ground for demonstrations and military parades.
In 1973, construction of the Palast der Republik began. It was on the eastern part of the former palace area. The Palace opened in 1976. In 1990, it closed due to asbestos contamination.
After reunification, archaeological excavations occurred. They uncovered parts of the palace foundations. In 1991, the northern part of Marx-Engels-Platz reverted to its original name, Lustgarten. In 1994, the rest of the area was renamed Schloßplatz.
Further excavations exposed foundations of the Cölln Dominican monastery. From 1997 to 2002, the Palast der Republik underwent asbestos removal. It was demolished between 2006 and 2008. The area became a temporary space with lawns and wooden walkways. These were removed in 2013 to prepare for the palace’s reconstruction.
The German Bundestag decided to rebuild the Berlin Palace. It was considered a “masterpiece of North German Baroque.” The reconstruction took place between 2012 and 2020. The Humboldt Forum opened in 2021.
In 2013, bbz Landschaftsarchitekten won the competition to design the surroundings of the Humboldt Forum. The design allowed for the return of historical elements. These included the Adlersäule, the Rossebändiger, and the Neptunbrunnen.
In September 2023, the redesigned open space around the rebuilt palace was inaugurated. It cost 45 million euros. Critics have called for a more climate-friendly design with more greenery.
In September 2024, the Senate Building Administration announced further redesigns for Schloßplatz. These are planned to start in 2025. The design includes a pedestrian zone with green spaces and fountains.
Schloßplatz stands as a testament to Berlin’s ever-changing story. It embodies power, controversy, and public life. Its past echoes in its present, offering us a glimpse into the heart of German history.