Overlooked by many, the Mathilde-Rathenau-Brücke stands as a testament to both engineering and remembrance. This bridge carries Kiefholzstraße over the A 100 autobahn. It provides a crucial link in Berlin’s transportation network.
The Mathilde-Rathenau-Brücke wasn’t erected with grand fanfare. In late February, construction barriers quietly disappeared. The Kiefholzstraße became fully accessible in both directions again.
But who was Mathilde Rathenau? Mathilde was the wife of AEG founder Emil Rathenau. More significantly, she was the mother of Walther Rathenau. Walther served as German Foreign Minister. He was assassinated in 1922. Mathilde herself was known for her social engagement. Together with her husband, she established a foundation in 1892. This foundation provided medical care for AEG employees during illness. It also financed holiday camp stays for employees’ children. Mathilde was laid to rest in the Rathenau family grave. It is located at Waldfriedhof Oberschöneweide.
The naming of the Mathilde-Rathenau-Brücke was at the request of Treptow-Köpenick district representatives. This happened after the new Spree Bridge was named after Minna Todenhagen. The bridge’s name was officially announced on February 15, 2018.
Interestingly, there was no formal ceremony for the Mathilde-Rathenau-Brücke. Some local politicians expressed their disappointment. They felt Mathilde Rathenau deserved a public tribute. The official announcement occurred via publication in the official gazette. Stefan Förster shared his thoughts on the matter. He is the chairman of the Köpenick Homeland Association and an FDP representative. He stated that Mathilde Rathenau deserved better.
Similar to the Mathilde-Rathenau-Brücke, two other bridges over the A 100 were named without much ado. The Margarethe-Kubicka-Brücke and Hatun Sürücü Brücke received their names via official gazette publication in August 2017.
Opened in 2019, the Mathilde-Rathenau-Brücke is more than just a functional structure. Its concrete surfaces have attracted the attention of Berlin’s graffiti scene. Instead of battling the graffiti tags, there was a suggestion to enable an artistic design. This would provide space for permanent and changing graffiti projects.
So, as you cross the Mathilde-Rathenau-Brücke, remember Mathilde Rathenau’s legacy. Think of her social contributions and the understated dedication of this bridge in her honor.