Picture the elegant Haus Kersten. It stands proudly at Leipziger Strasse 36. Its history whispers tales of fashion and architectural brilliance. Originally built in 1886 as a business house by C F Schwenke it was later transformed. The transformation was the work of the renowned Hermann Muthesius. He redesigned it for the fashionable Kersten and Tuteur in 1913.
Haus Kersten became a beacon of style. It housed a ladies’ fashion house. The building’s design was groundbreaking. Muthesius introduced a revolutionary three-part two-story display window. This was a new idea in shop design. The corner window was richly ornamented. A classicizing style built on simplicity and sincerity was used. The building’s column facade was a typical feature of its time. The architecture critics praised the unique design.
World War II left its mark. The facade was damaged. Post-war reconstruction simplified the building’s appearance. However Haus Kersten’s original glory was restored. This meticulous reconstruction included the replacement of two female sculptures. These sculptures were originally created by the sculptor Andreas Höfer. They were placed on the corner pillars. The painstaking effort brought back the building’s original look. Today the Haus Kersten stands as a testament to the past. It is a listed building and a protected historic landmark. It serves as a reminder of Berlin’s rich architectural heritage and its innovative spirit. It is a true gem. Its stylish past lives on in the heart of Berlin.