Bet you didn’t expect Berlin’s oldest bookstore to be right here. Nicolaische Buchhandlung stands as a testament to Berlin’s rich literary history. It has been a haven for book lovers since its founding in 1700. Let’s step inside this venerable establishment.
The story of Nicolaische Buchhandlung begins with Gottfried Zimmermann. He established a branch bookstore in Alt-Berlin. In 1713, Zimmermann passed the business to his son-in-law Christoph Gottlieb Nicolai. This marked the official founding of the Nicolaische Buchhandlung.
The bookstore thrived under Christoph Friedrich Nicolai. He was a prominent figure of the Enlightenment era. Nicolai transformed it into a literary hub. It became a center for intellectual exchange in the city. In 1787, the bookstore moved to Brüderstraße 13. This location later became known as the Nicolaihaus.
After Nicolai’s death, Daniel Parthey took over in 1811. Later in 1822, his son Gustav Parthey continued the legacy. In 1858, Gustav Parthey made a pivotal decision. He separated the bookstore from the publishing house. The publishing house continued as Nicolaische Verlagsbuchhandlung.
The Nicolaische Buchhandlung then changed hands. Maximilian Jagielski took over. It then became Nicolaische Sortimentsbuchhandlung M. Jagielski. Later, Friedrich Wrede and Fritz Borstell acquired it in 1863. They renamed it Nicolaische Buchhandlung Wrede and Borstell. They established Germany’s largest lending library within its walls.
Hans Reimarus joined as a partner in 1872. The name changed to Nicolaische Buchhandlung Borstell and Reimarus. The bookstore expanded with a branch on Potsdamer Straße in 1883. In 1892, the main store relocated to Dorotheenstraße 75. A new building was constructed to house it.
Reinhold Borstell became the sole owner in 1901. In 1929, a larger company acquired the bookstore. Branches opened on Kurfürstendamm. Another one opened here on Rheinstraße 65 in Friedenau. Later, another branch appeared on Saarlandstraße.
The buildings in the city center faced destruction in 1945. However, the Friedenau branch reopened shortly after. It has remained a beloved fixture ever since. The renowned writer Günter Grass was a regular customer.
In 2015, Martina Tittel rescued the Nicolaische Buchhandlung. She bought the majority shares. She ensured the bookstore’s survival. Today, the Nicolaische Buchhandlung Borstell and Reimarus GmbH continues to thrive.
So here we are at Berlin’s oldest bookstore. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. It continues to be a haven for literary exploration.