Nestled within the St.-Marien- und St.-Nikolai-Friedhof I lies a monument to legacy, the Mausoleum Familie Brose. Have you ever wondered who the Brose family were and why their resting place is so significant?
The Brose family mausoleum is one of the most important structures on this cemetery. Christian Wilhelm Brose a Berlin banker rests here. He lived from 1781 to 1870. Brose became a partner in his father-in-law’s business after marrying Henriette Fetschow. He also audited accounts for the “Verein der Kunstfreunde im preußischen Staat”.
The Brose family’s residence and business were at Klosterstr. 87. Today, the Fernsehturm stands on that very spot. The Brose family also owned a summer house with a garden in Niederschönhausen. It was known as Brosehaus and Brosepark.
Christian Wilhelm Brose had connections to Berlin’s greats. These included Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Christian Peter Wilhelm Beuth, and the Gropius brothers. In 1861, he received the Order of the Red Eagle, Third Class, with ribbon.
The mausoleum itself is an early example of neogothic style in Berlin. It was completed in 1815. The neogothic design features a brick construction with a broad sandstone gable front. The entrance is a pointed arch with architraves.
Karl Friedrich Schinkel may have designed the Mausoleum Familie Brose. Family tradition says Schinkel created the plans. No documents confirm this. Schinkel was friends with the Brose family. Another grave design by Schinkel for the family exists. This makes Schinkel’s authorship very likely.
Interestingly, almost 40 years later, Christian Gottlieb Cantian built a similar structure. It was built in Dedelow Prenzlau on the churchyard. Family tradition says it was based on Schinkel’s designs. If true, this would be the only known Schinkel design executed twice.
Christian Wilhelm Brose was a friend and benefactor to people and the arts. He maintained friendly relations with architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Like Fetschow, Brose had a summer residence in Niederschönhausen. There, he fostered connections with artists. Carl Joseph Begas, Carl Blechen, and Christian Daniel Rauch were among his regular guests. Brose was a devout Christian. Contemporaries saw him as socially conscious. He gave the Niederschönhausen community a Bible, a new tower clock, and securities for the 50th anniversary of his summer home. The interest was for charitable purposes. Later, he bequeathed the property to the community. Today, Brosepark is open to everyone.
The Mausoleum Familie Brose underwent restoration. The work included cleaning and reinforcing the stones. Old paint was removed. Missing parts were replaced and the left roof gutter was renewed.
So, as you stand before the Mausoleum Familie Brose, remember Christian Wilhelm Brose. He was a banker, art lover, and benefactor. His legacy lives on in this beautiful neogothic structure. It is a testament to his contributions to Berlin. It is a reminder of the importance of family and community.