Haven’t you heard that the Majakowskiring is shaped like an ellipse? The Ellipse here in Berlin is not just another street. It is a landmark steeped in history. It whispers tales of a divided Germany. It reflects the lives of powerful figures.
The Ellipse owes its name to the Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky. Before its renaming, the street was divided. The northern part was known as Kronprinzenstrasse. The southern part was Viktoriastrasse. These two were united and renamed in honor of the poet. For a brief time it was called Majakowskistrasse.
Imagine this area in the 1920s. Industrious people and artists called it home. But after World War II, most residents were dispossessed. In rare instances, some were allowed to stay. That was if they continued to pay rent. By 1950, everyone had to leave.
From 1960 the Ellipse became home to ministers of the GDR government. Architects like Hans Scharoun modified the houses. They suited the tastes of the new residents. The Majakowskiring became synonymous with the GDR government. West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer mockingly referred to the leaders as “the gentlemen from Pankow”. Udo Lindenberg even sang about a “special train to Pankow”.
It was a secure residential area like a gated community. Locals nicknamed it “the small town”.
After the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, the SED decided to build a new secure residential area. They needed one further away from the Majakowskiring. They feared the effects of riots. Hoppegarten was considered first, but they built the complex in Waldsiedlung. The officials moved there in 1960.
When Lotte Ulbricht wanted to return to the Ellipse after her husband’s death she was allowed. She was assigned a different house at number 12. She lived there until her death in 2002. In 1975, the house at 28/30 was demolished. This erased Walter Ulbricht’s name from East German history.
Today, the house where Otto Grotewohl lived is a bookstore. Johannes Robert Becher’s house has been sold and is now private property.
The Ellipse has several notable houses. Number 2 housed government guests. Lotte Ulbricht lived at number 12. Walter and Lotte Ulbricht resided at number 28/30. Wilhelm Pieck lived at number 29. Later, it became the guest house of the mayor of East Berlin. Johannes Robert Becher lived at number 34. Otto Grotewohl lived at number 46/48. The Polish embassy was located at number 47. Heinrich Rau lived at number 50 and Erich Honecker at number 58. Friedrich Ebert Junior also lived here.
As you wander through the Ellipse, reflect on its past. This area encapsulates a unique chapter in Berlin’s history. It is a reminder of the political and social changes. These have shaped this city.