Berlin knows how to breathe new life into historic sites steeped in decades of urban history. The former Quelle department store, for instance, has been transformed into a modern market hall with numerous restaurants, and one of Europe’s oldest multi-story parking garages has become a trendy hub for food, events, and design. But the capital’s major transformation projects are far from over. The Bierpinsel in Steglitz, one of Berlin’s most extraordinary buildings, is also facing a new future. Originally, the reopening was planned for 2025, but completion is now expected in 2028 or 2029 at the earliest.
The futuristic architectural icon rises directly on Schloßstraße to a height of 47 meters and has shaped the skyline of southwest Berlin for nearly 50 years. The striking structure was built between 1972 and 1976 according to plans by architects Ralf Schüler and Ursulina Schüler-Witte, who are also known for the ICC Berlin. Originally, the tower was conceived as a spectacular tower restaurant . Its multiple levels housed a café, a restaurant, and other dining areas offering panoramic views of Berlin. Shortly after its opening, the building became one of West Berlin’s most striking landmarks.
The building owes its nickname to its unusual shape. The load-bearing steel structures resemble the bristles of a shaving brush. Since the building was used for dining, the name “Bierpinsel” (Beer Brush) was coined. Today, the Bierpinsel is considered one of the most significant examples of 1970s futuristic pop architecture in Germany. The building has been a listed historic monument since 2017.
In the past, the space housed a beer and wine cellar, a steakhouse, a tower café, and later served various purposes such as a bar, nightclub, or sports bar. This was followed by vacancy, renovation problems, and several failed attempts.
Numerous revitalization plans have been announced but never implemented. The most recent reopening date of 2025 is now considered outdated. Currently, the owner is pursuing a new concept for the building’s use. The plan includes three floors of offices and coworking spaces, as well as a publicly accessible dining level. This aims to ensure that the Bierpinsel will not only be an architectural landmark in the future but will also serve as a modern workplace and meeting place . The originally discussed use as a pure dining and cultural hotspot now plays a significantly smaller role.
