Forgotten echoes linger. Can you hear them near the Kinderheim in der Königsheide? This place once teemed with life. It was a grand project. It aimed to house and nurture hundreds of children.
The Kinderheim in der Königsheide’s story began in the aftermath of war. In 1946, the decision to build a new children’s home was made. By 1949, the location was set. The Kinderheim in der Königsheide finally opened its doors in 1953.
Imagine this area back then. Twelve hectares stretched before you. That is equivalent to 17 football fields. The Kinderheim in der Königsheide was a mini-city for children. Five two-story houses stood here. There was also a school and a hospital. A dining hall and a festive hall completed the ensemble. Later additions included a paddling pool. A gymnasium and an open-air stage with 800 seats were constructed. Even a kindergarten and a small zoo found their place here. Everyone helped build it as part of the National Reconstruction Program.
Over ten million marks were invested in the Kinderheim in der Königsheide. This was a huge amount of money at the time. The annual budget was 4.5 million MDN.
The Berliner Zeitung called it a “children’s city”. Each group of 20 children had a day room. They also had four or five bedrooms. A bathroom completed their living space. House I accommodated children aged three to six. House 2 was for those six to ten. Houses 3 and 4 housed children aged ten to fourteen. Some children could go home on weekends.
What was it like to live here? Up to 600 children lived under several roofs. Some accounts speak of multiple occupancy. Up to 300 staff members were employed.
From October 1953, the Kinderheim in der Königsheide had everything. There were living quarters and medical facilities. The clinic even had a modern dental chair and an X-ray machine. Regular check-ups were planned. The grounds were spacious. There were plenty of green areas for the children to play. It seemed like paradise.
The Kinderheim in der Königsheide was not just functional. It was also beautiful. Elaborate artwork decorated the facades. Artistically designed glass windows added to its charm. Many former residents remember their time here fondly. However, life in such a large place had its complexities.
Over the decades, the mood shifted. Some who lived here experienced mixed feelings. The aim now is to gather more stories. By hearing from people, the reasons for these shifts can be found.
The Kinderheim in der Königsheide always had a political side. Edith Donat was originally supposed to lead it. She had returned from exile with new ideas. She pushed for the Kinderheim in der Königsheide’s creation. Yet, she was not allowed to take charge. Günter Riese was appointed director instead.
Early plans were very different. Architect Konrad Sage had a different design. But his plans were rejected. He had too much contact with West Berlin. The name was also going to be different. It was to be named after Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. He was a Swiss educator. But this idea was also dropped. For a while, it was simply called “Kinderheim in der Königsheide”.
In 1968, the name changed again. It became “Heimkombinat Kinderheim A. S. Makarenko”. This marked a significant moment in the home’s history.
Today, the Kinderheim in der Königsheide is gone. In its place is a residential park. But the memories remain. The Kinderheim in der Königsheide may be gone but not forgotten. Its story is a reminder of a different time. It is also a testament to the lives of the children who once called this place home.