Didn’t this green space used to be called Lindenplatz? Before it became Nöldnerplatz that is. Let’s explore the history of this public square in Berlin’s Rummelsburg district. Nöldnerplatz is named after Erwin Nöldner. He was an anti-fascist who was executed in 1944. Nöldner lived nearby and the square was named in his honor in 1947.
Before Nöldnerplatz became a square, the area was largely undeveloped in the late 19th century. The village of Lichtenberger Kietz was slightly to the east. The Victoriastadt was largely developed to the northwest. The Erlöserkirche was built west of the square in 1892.
A schoolhouse was completed in 1874 on the northwest corner of today’s Nöldnerplatz. Another school was built in 1891 next to the Erlöserkirche. The old school building became a poorhouse. It was heavily damaged in World War II and later demolished. The community secured a neighboring property in 1896 to build a recreation and playground.
The railway station near Nöldnerplatz has a layered past. It opened in 1902 as Rummelsburg-Ost. In 1914, it was renamed Neu-Lichtenberg. In 1928, electric S-Bahn service began. Finally, in 1954, the station adopted the name Nöldnerplatz.
Between 1927 and 1932, a school was built on the southeast side of the square. It was designed in the New Objectivity style. Max Taut designed this school. Housing was planned south of the school but was never realized due to poor ground conditions.
Much of the development around Nöldnerplatz was destroyed in World War II. Only three residential buildings and the Max Taut School remained. The Max Taut School was partially damaged.
Until 1953, a tram line ran across the square. In 1958, Portlandstrasse was removed. This area became part of the green space. In the same year, an office building was built on the west side of the square.
In 2003, a competition was held to redesign Nöldnerplatz. The goal was to enhance the square. The green space character should be more visible. Traffic routes were to be clearer. The green space on the north side was redesigned and new playgrounds were created.
The Max Taut School is the most important building near Nöldnerplatz. It is a protected historical building. Max Dudler rebuilt the school complex after 2000. The long-unused auditorium was also rebuilt. The renovated school reopened in 2007. It was renamed Max Taut School. It now serves as a upper-level center for supply and cleaning technology.
In 2010, a memorial stone was dedicated to the Rummelsburg worker resistance. In early 2019, there was an artistic design competition to enhance the square. Christian Hasucha won the first prize. In January 2020, the artwork “Heaven above Nöldnerplatz” was inaugurated.
Today, Nöldnerplatz is largely a green space. Several roads intersect it. In the north, an area for children with a skating rink has been created. The Nöldnerplatz S-Bahn station connects the square to the city. Lines S5, S7, and S75 serve the station.
Nöldnerplatz has transformed over the decades. It is a place of remembrance, education, and recreation. It is a unique blend of history and modern life in Berlin.