Here at the Spree’s mouth into the Havel, stands a silent witness to Spandau’s military past. This is the Geschützgießerei Spandau. The buildings you see were once part of a large arms factory. In 1828, Prussia decided to build a new cannon foundry here. It opened in 1855 as the last of Spandau’s armaments factories.
These two halls arose near the Havel and Spree confluence. They were built in 1871 and 1914. Spandau became a center of German arms production then. After the Cold War blockade, the 20,000 square meters became a grain storage for the Senate reserve. This was similar to what happened on Eiswerder Island.
After the Berlin Wall fell, such storage was unnecessary. The larger building was designed by architect Wevel. It was the new boring mill of the Geschützgießerei Spandau. It was built from 1871 to 1874 in the Schinkel style. The Geschützgießerei expanded until World War I. The Deutsche Industriewerke later emerged from the armaments factories. The boring mill and smaller workshop are the last buildings of the Geschützgießerei. There were structural changes in 1915 and 1943-1944.
After World War I, the facilities were partly dismantled. Instead of weapons, they produced car bodies and motorcycles. During World War II, the site again served military production. Extensive destruction occurred during the war.
The Schinkel competition in 2014 had visions for the site and waterfront. Some ideas included a continuous tour. It would start in the old town, cross the Charlottenbrücke to Stresow. Then it would connect to the citadel’s southern forefield via a new bridge. Another bridge would lead from the Zitadellenpark to Kolk. A bike path to Berlin’s center could start at the Spree estuary someday. But much Spree water will flow into the Havel until then. A waterfront path opening at the Spree estuary is certain. A restaurant ship berth is planned nearby.
In 2018, the Geschützgießerei’s two listed factory halls had a change of ownership. Victoria-Mühlenwerke GmbH sold both buildings to Bauwens Development Berlin GmbH for an undisclosed sum. The old buildings will be renovated. They will become a commercial ensemble for offices and gastronomy. This will happen with the city development office and lower monument protection authority.
In 2021, the Geschützgießerei on the Stresow shore opened to the public. This was during two tours on the Day of Open Monuments. The Geschützgießerei Spandau, once a hub of military might, now stands ready for a new chapter. It will blend history with modern use. It will offer a glimpse into Spandau’s industrial past. It also shows its transformation into a vibrant urban space.