Once a place of grand exhibitions, Universum Landes-Ausstellungs-Park, or ULAP as locals call it, now whispers stories of transformation. It sits in Moabit, a district within Berlin’s Mitte borough. Today, we explore this park that holds layers of Berlin’s past.
The Universum Landes-Ausstellungs-Park’s story began as uncultivated land outside the city gates in the 18th century. Huguenot families arrived. They cultivated gardens and silk production. Urban developments prevented early construction plans from materializing.
The late 19th century saw the area transformed. The Lehrter Bahnhof opened nearby in 1868. Then, the Stadtbahn followed in 1882. These transport links made it ideal for exhibitions. The Berliner Gewerbeausstellung of 1879 sprawled across 61000 square meters. Even the Stadtbahn viaduct arches were integrated into the exhibition halls. Werner Siemens showcased the first electric locomotive here.
Before Berlin’s Funkturm and Messegelände existed, ULAP hosted significant events. These included the annual Große Berliner Kunstausstellung. However, war brought a dark chapter. During World War I, the site produced detonators. In 1919, murdered Spartacists were secretly buried here. In 1927, workers unearthed 126 bodies during electrical work.
Amidst this grim period, entertainment emerged. On July 1, 1922, a pleasure park opened to rival Lunapark. It operated until the company went bankrupt in 1925.
The 1930s saw the rise of the Nazi party. They held meetings in ULAP’s halls. In February 1933, the SA established a torture chamber. They brutally treated around 70 to 80 people. Günther Joachim, a lawyer, was one victim. He died from his injuries. From 1933 to 1936, the SA used the grounds for drills.
Later, from 1936, ULAP housed the Deutsche Luftfahrtsammlung Berlin. This aviation museum displayed the Dornier Do X. Parts of this massive flying boat remained even in the 1960s.
In April 1945, the SS murdered 16 political prisoners here. Among them was Albrecht Haushofer. Nazi leaders Martin Bormann and Ludwig Stumpfegger committed suicide nearby. They were buried on the ULAP grounds. Their remains were identified in 1972 during postal cable work.
The construction of the new Hauptbahnhof led to the demolition of the old gatekeeper’s house. After the Berlin Wall went up in 1961, ULAP became a marginal area in West Berlin. Most buildings were demolished in 1963. Only the steps survived. Lion sculptures were moved to the German Technical Museum.
In 2008, Universum Landes-Ausstellungs-Park was reborn as a public park. A space for recreation and remembrance. The park’s design incorporates the old staircase. It also has trees that grew among the steps. These serve as a reminder of the past. This blend of history and nature makes ULAP a unique place in Berlin.
Today, the Universum Landes-Ausstellungs-Park stands as a testament to Berlin’s ever-changing story. It is a place where you can reflect on the city’s complex layers of history.