Wasn’t this square once a bubbling fountain? Right here before you stands the G\u00f6hrener Ei a unique architectural ensemble in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district. Its name the G\u00f6hrener Ei meaning Goehren Egg refers to its oblong shape nestled in a bend of G\u00f6hrener Strasse. This street itself was named after the Baltic Sea resort Goehren in 1910. Before that it was simply Strasse Nr 13e.
The G\u00f6hrener Ei’s buildings mostly residential with large balconies were constructed between 1909 and 1913 in the Art Nouveau style. Note the distinctive windows of the hallways and the ornate facade decorations. Residents boasted about having the first apartments in the neighborhood with indoor toilets. The street was also brimming with shops.
The ensemble is capped at one end by the Elias Community House built from 1926 to 1928 by architect Otto Werner. Its courtyard facades are covered in vines and adorned with Expressionist-influenced ornaments. The building’s dome-shaped hall was originally designed as a theater and concert hall.
Now imagine the heart of the G\u00f6hrener Ei. A large fountain once spouted here. It was a magnificent creation designed by architect Kurt Stoeving and executed by court stonemason Paul Wimmel. The fountain’s fate was altered by World War II. It was converted into a fire-fighting pond and later filled in. Today a children’s playground occupies its space.
After World War II the Soviet Military Administration requisitioned the G\u00f6hrener Ei ensemble. The editorial office of the Tagliche Rundschau a daily newspaper was housed here in 1945 and 1946. The Community House and surrounding buildings served as the seat of Soviet offices until 1952. Interestingly the Gerhus brothers ran a hotel in one of the buildings during this time.
Today the dome-shaped hall of the Elias Community House serves as a worship space for the congregation. This came about after the nearby Eliaskirche church was converted into a children’s and youth museum in 2003. The G\u00f6hrener Ei ensemble including the community house and buildings on Raumerstrasse and Senefelderstrasse remains a protected landmark. It is a testament to Berlin’s rich history and architectural heritage. A truly fascinating egg indeed the G\u00f6hrener Ei.