“Eagle Square received its name from the statue of an eagle.” That’s quite a straightforward story, isn’t it? However, the history behind this statue is anything but simple.
The Eagle Square Statue once proudly perched atop the main terminal building of Tempelhof Central Airport. This was from 1940 to 1962. Designed by architect Ernst Sagebiel and sculpted by Walter Lemcke, the eagle was an imposing figure. It stood 4.50 meters high.
Many people thought it grasped a swastika. But it held a globe to symbolize the planned summit of the Great Hall.
In 1962, progress demanded its removal. New radar equipment needed the space the Eagle Square Statue occupied. So, the statue was dismantled. The eagle’s head found a new home. It was given to the museum of the United States Military Academy at West Point N.Y.
But the story doesn’t end there. The United States Air Force recognized the statue’s importance to Berlin’s history. They returned the eagle’s head. It was to be shared with the people of Berlin.
In August 1985, Eagle Square was dedicated. It was a symbol of friendship. It was a reminder of Berlin’s resilience. The base of the Eagle Square Statue has an inscription that commemorates this event.
Today only the head of the Eagle Square Statue remains. It stands on a plinth. This plinth is located near the entrance of Tempelhof Airport’s departure building.
The area has been renamed Platz der Luftbrücke. It commemorates the Berlin airlift of 1948-49. During this time Tempelhof was the main airfield used.
The Berlin Airlift Monument stands in the square. The monument features 3 arcs. They symbolize the 3 air corridors. These were the city’s lifeline.
The airport buildings around Eagle Square now house government agencies. These include the Berlin Police headquarters. They also include the State Criminal Division.
Tempelhof Airport itself has a rich history. It was one of the first airports in Berlin. It was designated as an airport in 1923. The airport ceased operating in 2008.
During the Nazi era, Ernst Sagebiel was ordered to replace the old terminal. It was to become a gateway to Europe. It was a symbol of Hitler’s “world capital” Germania. The building complex was designed to resemble an eagle in flight. The hangar roof was to form a stadium for spectators.
Despite its grand plans, the airport was never finished due to World War II. The Eagle Square Statue serves as a tangible link to this layered past. It is a reminder of both ambition and destruction. It shows resilience and reconciliation.
So, the next time you see the Eagle Square Statue remember its journey. Remember its symbolism. It is more than just a statue. It is a piece of Berlin’s soul.