Did the walls of Eckener-Gymnasium ever dream they’d house a future rapper? Eckener-Gymnasium stands here in Mariendorf, a Berlin neighborhood steeped in history. Founded in 1907 as an Oberrealschule by the then independent community of Mariendorf, it quickly became a cornerstone of the area. The building itself, designed by Heinrich Reinhardt and Georg Süßenguth, was inaugurated in 1911. It boasts a grand aula, complete with an organ built by Albert Kienscherf. Imagine the echoes of music and learning that have resonated within these walls for over a century. Eckener-Gymnasium wasn’t always known by this name. In 1930, the school was renamed in honor of the airship pioneer, Hugo Eckener. This adds another layer to the story of this place. A connection to a time of great technological advancement and exploration. Today, Eckener-Gymnasium educates around 780 students, each one adding their own verse to the ongoing melody of the school. Did you know that the rapper Bushido once walked these halls? From the airship pioneer to a modern-day musician, the Eckener-Gymnasium has witnessed a diverse range of talents blossom within its walls. This seemingly traditional school has nurtured personalities who have contributed to both scientific and artistic spheres. The school also houses a historic organ, originally installed when the building opened. It features a pneumatic tracker action and, through transmission, eleven registers. The organ’s sound has been altered over the years, reflecting changing tastes in music. Originally designed with a romantic sound, it was later modified to have a more baroque tone. This involved cutting certain pipes and installing new registers. The organ even has a “Kalkantenruf”– a call system for the person operating the bellows. The Eckener-Gymnasium, a place where history and the present harmonize, continues to shape young minds.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in