Have you ever noticed the imposing presence of the Pelikan-Haus? It stands proudly at Ritterstrasse 9-10 in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district a testament to history and architectural elegance. This isn’t just another building. The Pelikan-Haus boasts a rich past. It was built between 1902 and 1905. The mastermind behind its creation was Georg Salomonsohn a banker and owner of the Hompesch & Co metalware factory. He commissioned the renowned Berlin architect Kurt Berndt to design this magnificent structure. The building’s neoclassical style is unmistakable. Its largely glazed sandstone facade is a breathtaking sight. Notice the rusticated ground floor. Look closely at the fourth floor. You’ll see four oversized Atlantes seemingly supporting the roof. These impressive figures were crafted by Berlin sculptors Robert Schirmer and Otto Marker. The building’s inner courtyards also feature elegant details. These include continuous white-faced pillars plaster balustrades and natural stone ornamentation around the stairwells.
Originally Salomonsohn rented out the Pelikan-Haus to various businesses. These included the Deutsche Tapisseriefabrik the Elektrizitäts- und Akkumulatorenwerke Seidelmann & Co and the Continentale Regamoid Art. In 1933 Gunther Wagner and later the Pelikan AG moved into the building. They added the iconic “Pelikan-Haus” lettering and a golden medallion featuring the company’s logo to the facade. This instantly recognizable branding is what gives the building its name. This remained until today.
In 2002 the Pelikan-Haus underwent a meticulous renovation. It then housed numerous companies once more. After the Lichttechnische Spezialfabrik Franz Sill GmbH moved out Berggruen Holdings acquired the vacant building in August 2013. They invested almost ten million euros in the building including modernization measures. They then leased it to the Berlin eyewear manufacturer MYKITA. In August 2014 MYKITA relocated from Brunnenstrasse in Mitte to the Pelikan-Haus. This stylish eyewear company now occupies this historical building.
Today the Pelikan-Haus continues to thrive. It stands as a symbol of Kreuzberg’s vibrant past and its innovative future. The building’s architectural beauty and historical significance attract visitors from around the world. Its location in the heart of a bustling district makes it a truly special place in Berlin. So take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of this remarkable building the Pelikan-Haus a slice of Berlin’s rich history.