Was the Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk built before or after the Daheim colony? Many visitors to Potsdam ponder this question as they stand before the remnants of this once-great railway workshop. The Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk, or RAW for short, holds a fascinating place in Potsdam’s industrial history. Established in 1838 as the “Königliche Eisenbahn-Hauptwerkstatt”, it was built alongside the first railway line between Potsdam and Berlin. This made it the first railway repair workshop in Germany. It quickly blossomed, becoming one of Potsdam’s largest employers and a cornerstone of the city’s economy. The workshop’s name transitioned to Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk in 1871, reflecting Germany’s unification. Interestingly, the Daheim colony, built between 1894 and 1897 to house the RAW’s workers, came later. After German reunification, the RAW was sadly closed, favoring West German workshops. While the march of time led to the demolition of some structures, others were saved. The old water tower, a landmark of the site, received a new lease on life as a café and bistro. Today, the area is being revitalized as the “City-Quartier Potsdam,” a testament to the city’s ability to evolve while respecting its past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to