Long before it housed a museum, Gutshof Börnicke stood as a testament to time. It evolved through war and peace. Gutshof Börnicke is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies the spirit of a community.
The story of Gutshof Börnicke starts in 1300. The village was first mentioned as “Borneke”. A document confirmed the Kloster Friedland’s possessions here.
From the late 15th to late 17th centuries, the von Arnim family owned the village. It transformed into a manor. The Thirty Years’ War devastated Börnicke. It lay desolate.
In 1679, Wolmir von Wrangel acquired the estate. He commanded the Electoral Bodyguard in Berlin. Wrangel started repopulating the abandoned farms. As patron, he commissioned apostle images for the chancel stalls. These images still exist.
Wrangel initiated children’s education. Lessons occurred in a half-timbered house on the Anger. This is now Dorfstrasse 3. The village green’s linden tree still stands. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, ownership changed hands often. The villagers had to adjust to new landlords. These included the von Barfus family and Privy Councillor Schindler. Also included were economist Albrecht Philipp Thaer and Otto Franz Theodor Hosemann.
In 1892, Ernst Mendelssohn-Bartholdy purchased Gut Börnicke. He co-owned the Berlin bank Mendelssohn & Co. Ernst was the great-grandson of philosopher Moses Mendelssohn. He was also the nephew of composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. The family was ennobled in 1896. His son Paul Robert Ernst von Mendelssohn-Bartholdy renovated Schloss Börnicke. Architect Bruno Paul managed the project from 1909. The family grave is near the church tower.
The manor house was built in the mid-19th century. It features a classicist style. The city of Bernau restored it from 2006 to 2009. This included the horse stable. They considered historical preservation aspects.
After 1945, land reforms led to new farmhouses. An agricultural production cooperative and a state-owned farm influenced village life. This lasted until reunification.
Schloss Börnicke served various purposes. From 1967 to 1992, it functioned as a kindergarten, school, and boarding school. It was for children with physical disabilities. After 1992, the building stood empty. It became privately owned in 2003. The dilapidated building was made accessible again. It opened for cultural events.
Gutshof Börnicke includes two former farmsteads. These are Helenenau and Thaerfelde. Albrecht Philipp Thaer built Thaerfelde between 1840 and 1842. He primarily bred sheep.
The village of Börnicke hosts cultural events. These include the Stork Festival, farmers market, and Advent market. The Börnicker Music Summer hosts open-air concerts. Artisans and artists enrich the village with their contributions. The Förderverein Schloss und Gutshof Börnicke e. V. was founded in 2003. It supports diverse events and usage concepts. These are for the palace, estate, and park.
Today, Gutshof Börnicke stands as a reminder. It reminds us of the past. It also inspires for the future. Gutshof Börnicke is located at Ernst-Thälmann-Straße 1a.