Considering that a city also becomes more inhabitable with the possibility to let one’s gaze repeatedly wander. The Invalidenpark offers you exactly that. It’s a spacious urban open space. The Invalidenpark was built in the 1990s. It was erected on the site where Berlin’s centre was rebuilt after the fall of the Wall.
This two-and-a-half-hectare city square sits between Invalidenstrasse, Scharnhorststrasse, and Schwarzer Weg. Federal ministries, the University Hospital, and the Natural History Museum surround it. The original Invalidenpark was created in 1843. It was built with the Invaliden Column and the Gnadenkirche. Sadly, it was destroyed during World War II. For decades, the area languished in the Wall’s shadow during Berlin’s division.
The redesign of Invalidenpark occurred between 1992 and 1998. French landscape architect Christophe Girot led the project. His design referenced the square’s former shape. Notice the walkable sculpture in the water basin. It reminds us of the Gnadenkirche and the Berlin Wall. Lawns and preserved trees create sustainable compensation areas. These areas contrast with the granite paving on the Invalidenpark’s south side. They also improve the climate.
Now, let’s step back further in time. The Invalid House and its park were built in 1748. They were located outside Berlin’s gates. Their purpose was to house soldiers wounded in the Prussian wars. Like the original Invalidenpark, the house and park suffered damage in World War II.
It is interesting to know that Invalidenstrasse, where the Invalidenpark is located, has a rich history as well. It was originally named Spandauer Heerweg in the 13th century. Later, it was renamed after the Invalidenhaus. The Invalidenhaus was a hostel erected by order of King Frederick II of Prussia in 1748. It housed veterans of the Silesian Wars. Today, the remaining parts of this building house offices for the Federal Ministry of Economics.
After German reunification, Invalidenstrasse became a vital arterial road. This was especially true after the opening of the new Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Further expansion is planned, including a tramway line.
Looking around, you’ll see several public institutions along Invalidenstrasse. There is the Museum of Natural History. Also, faculties of agriculture and horticulture of the Humboldt University of Berlin are nearby. On the other side of the Invalidenpark, you can spot the Federal Ministry of Economics. It stands opposite the Charité hospital Campus Mitte.
Take a moment to appreciate the dominant feature here. It is a great basin of water measuring 50 by 62 meters. Within it stands a sculptural wall and waterfall. However, like many modern urban water features, it may not always be functioning. When dry, it might resemble military architecture. Perhaps a ramp for launching rockets. The sculpture runs across the basin at a fashionably postmodern angle.