Hidden within Berlin’s vibrant Schöneberg district lies Ursula-Mamlok-Park. This tranquil green space at Gleditschstraße 3-23 is more than just a place for respite. It stands as a tribute to a remarkable woman and her enduring legacy. Ursula-Mamlok-Park was named in February 2023 as part of Berlin’s initiative to honor influential women. Ursula Mamlok, born Ursula Meyer in Berlin in 1923, spent her early years on Motzstraße. Her father’s early death led her mother to remarry, and Ursula adopted her stepfather’s surname, Lewy. The rising Nazi threat forced the family to flee to Ecuador in 1939. Imagine a 17-year-old Ursula, embarking on a solo journey to New York with a scholarship to the Mannes School of Music. This marked the start of her extraordinary career in music. She later taught composition at the Manhattan School of Music for over 40 years, becoming a leading figure in American avant-garde music. Ursula-Mamlok-Park serves as a poignant reminder of her journey. After her husband’s death, Ursula returned to her birthplace in 2006. She enjoyed a second career in Berlin, composing until shortly before her death in 2016. She is buried in the Weißensee Jewish Cemetery. Ursula-Mamlok-Park is not just a park. It’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music. Her legacy lives on, not only in her compositions but also in this peaceful urban oasis. You can find more about her life in the permanent exhibition “Wir waren Nachbarn” at the Schöneberg Town Hall. The Dwight and Ursula Mamlok Foundation, established during her lifetime, continues to support contemporary music performers. Ursula-Mamlok-Park invites you to reflect on a life that transcended borders and genres.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in