Haus Schlick

Hidden within Dahlem, Haus Schlick whispers tales of a bygone era. This unassuming mansion, located at Bitterstraße 14, has witnessed a fascinating evolution, mirroring Berlin’s own turbulent journey. Haus Schlick began its life in 1873 as a grand residence for the Zimmermann family, designed by architect Wilhelm Neumann. It later underwent significant transformations, first in 1891/92 by architects Rudolph Speer and Heino Schmieden. They added a story and an annex, preparing the house for its next chapter under the ownership of businessman Egon Sally Fürstenberg. Fürstenberg acquired Haus Schlick in 1904 and further expanded it in 1924 with architects Hoeniger and Sedelmaier. The Fürstenberg family resided on the Belle Etage, while other floors housed notable figures like Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Zinn. Zinn, chief physician at Bethanien Deaconess Hospital and later Moabit Hospital, held a prestigious teaching position at Friedrich Wilhelm University. His wife, Clara Zinn, née Schöne, was a published author, her book “Kinderspiel und Spielzeug” (Children’s Play and Toys) enjoying several reprints. Tragically, Fürstenberg’s Jewish heritage forced him into exile in 1938. Haus Schlick was then sold to the Association of Berlin Artists (VBK), an organization under Nazi control. The war dealt a devastating blow to Haus Schlick. Bombing raids in 1943 left the building severely damaged, its interior gutted by fire. The VBK’s library and archive, a treasure trove of historical documents, were lost forever. Post-war, Haus Schlick faced demolition. However, thanks to the intervention of German-Russian painter Nikolaus Sakrekow, chairman of the VBK’s exhibition committee, the building received a reprieve. Under Sakrekow’s guidance, partial restoration allowed for the opening of the “Kulturzentrum Lützowplatz” in 1950. The second floor became a district gallery, showcasing exhibitions by renowned artists like Vincent van Gogh, Oskar Kokoschka, Marc Chagall, and Paula Modersohn-Becker. Haus Schlick’s ownership took another turn. It was revealed the 1938 sale to the VBK was forced. In 1959, the property was returned to the Fürstenberg heirs. A sponsoring association, initiated by Willy Brandt’s SPD, stepped in to preserve the building for public use. In 1961, Haus Schlick was sold to the “Fördererkreis Kulturzentrum Berlin e.V.”, beginning a period of extensive renovations and expansion overseen by architect Fritz Gras. Another floor was added, and the courtyard was converted into a guesthouse, reflecting Berlin’s divided reality. Haus Schlick’s rebirth was celebrated in 1963 with an exhibition of works from the collection of the Modern Gallery of Krefeld. It continued to play a vital role in Berlin’s cultural landscape, hosting exhibitions, events, and serving as a meeting place in the divided city. Throughout its history, Haus Schlick has transformed from a private residence to a cultural hub, reflecting Berlin’s own resilience and capacity for reinvention. Its story, etched into its walls, serves as a testament to the enduring power of art and culture in the face of adversity.