What if I told you that this very building, the Magnus-Haus, witnessed pivotal moments in German physics? It is more than just a beautiful building. It is a place where scientific minds gathered and changed history.
The Magnus-Haus stands before you as a testament to Berlin’s rich history. It combines classical and baroque architecture. This protected monument has stood for over 250 years.
Heinrich Gustav Magnus lived here in the 19th century. He researched and taught within these walls. The Magnus-Haus became a hub for scientific discussion. His physical colloquium led to the founding of the German Physical Society in 1845. From 1958 to 1990, it was the headquarters for East Germany’s Physical Society. The Magnus-Haus presents a significant building ensemble with its historic garden.
The Magnus-Haus is located on Am Kupfergraben 7. It faces the Pergamon Museum. Its left wing borders Dorotheenstrasse. The right side meets Bauhofstrasse. A footpath marks the rear boundary. The property covers 3780 square meters.
It is uncertain if the Magnus-Haus was a renovation or a new construction. Johann Boumann implemented Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff’s plans around 1753. Friedrich II gave the house to Johann Friedrich Westphal after its completion.
The Magnus-Haus has a basement made of sandstone blocks. Small windows sit just above ground level. Initially, the basement held servant quarters, a kitchen and storage rooms.
The first floor originally had eight large rooms. A spiral staircase leads to the second floor. It features a wrought iron handrail in the Rococo style.
The second floor once extended only to the cross house. Architect Günther added to the second floor and courtyard wing in 1822. Smaller rooms fill the converted attic. Renovations in 1993 and 1994 created a conference room for 120 people. The second floor has smaller meeting rooms for 10 to 20 people.
A courtyard entrance on Bauhofstrasse led to a coach house. This was replaced by a small stage in the 19th century. The former horse stable became a restaurant named Remise. It accommodates about 40 people.
The main building’s facade is symmetrical. Corinthian pilasters and windows create its structure. A risalit-like center with a double staircase leads to the first floor.
The first resident was the Westphal family. Later, mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange lived here. In 1840, Gustav Heinrich Magnus bought the house. He transformed it into a physics laboratory by 1842. He also hosted discussions and lectures. This led to the founding of the Physical Society of Berlin in 1845. This society later became the German Physical Society.
In 1908, the Liliencron family moved in. In 1911, Rochus von Liliencron sold the Magnus-Haus to the Prussian state. Max Reinhardt used the upper floor as his residence from 1911 to 1921.
The DPG installed a memorial plaque in 1930. It commemorates Magnus and his colleagues. In 1934, the University of Berlin acquired the Magnus-Haus.
After World War II, the Magnus-Haus served as a Soviet detention center. In 1958, it became the headquarters of East Germany’s Physical Society. The library was named the Max Planck Library.
After reunification, the German Physical Society used the Magnus-Haus again. Renovations took place in 1993 and 1994. Siemens contributed to these renovations.
In 2001, Siemens AG bought the Magnus-Haus. In October 2024, the Schwarz Group purchased it.
In 2021, the European Physical Society recognized the Magnus-Haus. It became an EPS Historic Site. This honor acknowledges its importance to physics history.
Today, the Magnus-Haus remains a place for scientific exchange. It serves as a reminder of Berlin’s contributions to science and culture. Its walls echo with the discussions and discoveries of the past. They inspire future generations of physicists.