Fasanenplatz

Hidden within the bustling heart of Berlin, Fasanenplatz whispers stories of bygone eras. Fasanenplatz isn’t just a square. It’s a time capsule nestled within the vibrant tapestry of Berlin. Established in 1870 by Johann Anton Wilhelm von Carstenn, Fasanenplatz was envisioned as a grand, ornamental square. It formed a key part of Carstenn’s urban masterpiece, the “Carstenn-Figur,” which also included Nürnberger Platz, Prager Platz, and Nikolsburger Platz. The name Fasanenplatz, meaning “Pheasant Square,” officially graced this location in 1901. This name harkens back to a royal pheasantry established by King Frederick II in 1755. Fasanenplatz became a hub for artists and intellectuals, their presence adding a rich layer to the square’s history. Gerhart Hauptmann, the celebrated writer, resided in a house on Fasanenstraße 39 in the mid-1890s. Not far away, at Fasanenstraße 61, lived Heinrich Mann, the president of the poetry section of the Prussian Academy of Arts, from 1932 to 1933. He frequented nearby nightclubs, where he met Nelly Kröger, the woman he would later marry. The square also witnessed the rise and fall of architectural styles. The original buildings, reflecting the grandeur of the late Gründerzeit period, were tragically destroyed during World War II. Only the former teacher’s house, now a kindergarten, survived the devastation. The square underwent a significant transformation during the International Building Exhibition of 1984. The roundabout was removed, paving was laid to calm traffic, and wooden benches invited passersby to linger. Architect Gottfried Böhm added a seven-story building with domed bay windows. In 1989, a water stele crafted by artist Rolf Lieberknecht was unveiled, further enhancing the square’s appeal. Fasanenplatz became a haven, a stark contrast to the functional, car-centric urban planning of the time. Fasanenplatz continued to evolve, hosting cultural landmarks like the Galerie Bremer, which opened in 1955. Designed by Hans Scharoun, its asymmetrical back room became a popular meeting place for artists and journalists. Fasanenplatz even played a role in the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s, serving as a popular hangout for the “Haschrebellen” at the “Unergründliches Obdach für Reisende.” Today, as you stand on Fasanenplatz, you stand on the echoes of history, artistry, and rebellion. The square embodies the resilience of Berlin, its ability to transform and adapt while preserving the whispers of its past.