Konversationsabend: The Humboldt Forum – Reconstruction of the old imperial palace in Berlin

Wed. Apr. 11, 2018 - 6:00pm - 9:00pm
  • This reconstruction has been a highly controversial, politically charged issue, its pros and cons passionately debated for years after the reunification of Germany in 1990, and the discussions are still ongoing. The imperial palace was built in the early 1700s in state of the art Baroque style to provide the representational backdrop for the ambitious Friedrich III, Elector of Brandenburg, who crowned himself King of Prussia in 1701 (now Friedrich I). Prussia soon became one of the most powerful states in Europe, militarily, economically, and culturally. This was accompanied by an amazing territorial growth. Increasingly, the palace, located in the very center of Berlin became a symbol of German national pride. However, after two disastrous World Wars, it was widely regarded as a symbol of German national hubris. It was heavily damaged by two bombardments in 1945, and totally demolished by the GDR in 1950 as a symbol of Western capitalism and imperialist expansionism.
  • Should this building be reconstructed? Are we taking the term “Erinnerungskultur” too far? Would this be the one memorial too many in a city so crowded with memories and memorials? Strangely, public opinion swayed dramatically in favor of reconstruction after a life size mock façade of the castle was erected in 1993 (see photo). A majority of people now felt Berlin needed to fill the vast void in its center to be truly “whole” again. Angela Merkel called it the “closing of a wound”. The debates now furiously centered on the question what the function of the “new” palace should be. Was it at all possible that a free spirited project could emerge from within these “old” restrictive walls? Yes, it could. The new castle would be called Humboldt Forum and function as a meeting and conference place as well as exhibition site for the cultures of the world.
  • An immense planning and fund raising action began. Reconstruction was started in 2013. An illustrious “Richtfest” celebrating the completion of the outer walls and the rebuilding of the dome took place as scheduled in 2015; completion of the interior spaces has been moved from 2018 to 2019. This has been called the presently largest cultural construction site in Europe (Barbara Hendricks, former Minister of the Environment). We have prepared a power point presentation of this project and hope you will be able to come and share the excitement.
  • As always – all are invited, all are welcome. Refreshments will be served. If requested, there will be occasional summaries in English.
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