Berlin is a place representing traditional and classic features as well as the phenomena of a post-modern society. Starting from the historic Brandenburg gate, right to contemporary futuristic glass architectural structures found in the architectural map of the Germany’s capital city is beautiful. Follow me during the Berlin architecture tour to see the most outstanding modern structures of the German capital.
- The Reichstag Building
The Reichstag Building is an association with Berlin striving for freedom, as well as a representation of the city’s struggles. This is an old contemporary architectural structure that has been rehabilitated toward the end of the twentieth century; the most recent part is a glass dome designed by Sir Norman Foster to accommodate Germany’s Parliament. The dome allows visitors to see the city in a bird’s eye view and reconstruct the connection between the old and the new.
Tip:
The place to visit which is the dome of the Reichstag building is usually very popular, so book your visit in advance. Actually, the guide to climb up and look at the view of Berlin is simply fantastic – it has no equivalents.
- The Sony Center
It will be utterly irresponsible not to recommend a visit to the Potsdamer Platz district while watching the bummling hustle and bustle and taking a look at the Sony Center. This sleek architectural wonder is one of the most advanced creations of architect Helmut Jahn. Its rather large glazed roof and steel construction give it quite an open and bright appearance and contains working offices, leisure facilities, outlets and eateries. The Sony Center represents the modern Berliner’s way of life.
Interesting Fact:
The Sony Center is the modern structure being constructed on the foundations of the existence of the famous division which was the Berlin Wall.
- The Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum has been designed by Daniel Libeskind as it reflects the historical and the emotional theme of the museum. Their body and steel structure is a broken Star of David – suggesting the broken relationship between Germans and Jews. Inside, the museum provides a great trip through centuries of Jewish history and holocaust.
Pro Tip:
Be sure to visit the Holocaust Tower – a small hall with low light and serious atmosphere commemorating the victims of holocaust.
- The East Side Gallery
If we leave the central districts of Berlin, the remains of the Berlin Wall are of course quite relevant and interesting and the next architectural wonder: the East Side Gallery. This art zone expanded along a strip of the old city wall and boasts of the works of more than 100 graffiti artists from across the globe. This kind of colorful and concept art truly gives a visual feel to the meaning of unity and freedom.
Must-see:
Also find the famous mural “The Fraternal Kiss” by Dmitri Vrubel, which shows Leonid Brezhnev a former Soviet leader kissing Erich Honecker a former East German leader.
- which is the International Congress Center Berlin (ICC)
This is a real landmark of architecture and proves that Berlin is ready to host more and more international meetings. This giant congress center was designed by Architecs Ralf Schüler and Usrsulina Schüler-Witte which blends a roof that extends far out over the building, bright geometrical forms and blue stained glass. The ICC has over the years hosted several conferences, exhibitions and music concerts among others.
Insider’s Tip:
If you would like some fresh air and an even better view of the ICC standing opposite to the Olympic stadium take a walk at the nearby Olympia Park.
In Conclusion
The majority of architectural landmarks in Berlin reflect the city’s optimistic mood and its endeavour to start anew. Old landmarked building like the Reichstag Building to the modern structure like the Sony Center and Jewish Museum, all have something to convey. Whether you have a deep interest in architecture or are just looking for a new way to better understand Berlin, these modern architectural marvels will give you a new way to explore this energetic city.
