In Heinrich-von-Kleist Park in Schöneberg, two freestanding colonnades face each other, looking somewhat out of place. But is that just a feeling, or is there more to it? It turns out this massive structure once stood at Alexanderplatz!
A quick tip before you go: If you’re at Alexanderplatz, be sure to check out this immersive experience where you’ll walk through 14 crazy rooms!
From Alexanderplatz to Heinrich-von-Kleist Park: The Royal Colonnades
Originally, the colonnades designed by Carl von Gontard served as an extension of the Königsbrücke. They formed the grand entrance from the eastern Königsvorstadt (now in Berlin Mitte) to the Berlin Palace.
But when the Königsgraben moat below was filled in, new buildings shot up and framed the colonnades. The now-unframed monument from 1780 became part of the bustling activity at the old Alexanderplatz. (See the colorized image below)
Then, in 1910, the entrepreneur Wertheim purchased the property adjacent to the colonnades to build a new Wertheim department store. The columns had to go, as they blocked any view of the future storefront windows. And even though this decision was controversial at the time, it would ultimately save the Royal Colonnades from certain destruction…
What to do with the Royal Colonnades?
The relocation was preceded by a long decision-making process during which various locations were hotly debated. There was even brief talk of simply tearing down the colonnades, prompting protests from Berlin’s citizens.
Ultimately, the 53-meter-long ensemble, made of Seehausen sandstone, was to be disassembled and transported to the square in Schöneberg’s Heinrich-von-Kleist Park, which is only 50 meters long. Wertheim ultimately covered the entire cost of the move to the western part of Schöneberg.
Chaos During Dismantling and a New Back Wall
The move itself was a logistical nightmare. First, there were problems dismantling the old sandstone blocks, which had already weathered and were crumbling. Then the colonnades were too long and extended all the way to the sidewalk. Finally, the colonnades (which had previously been flush with neighboring buildings at the rear on Alexanderplatz) stood freestanding in Kleistpark. Consequently, the colonnades had to be laboriously opened up toward the rear and redesigned to face the street.
Good Architecture in the Wrong Place
Despite all attempts to make the colonnades feel at home in Kleistpark, they still seem out of place today. And yet, the move was a stroke of historical luck. It saved the colonnades from the barrage of bombs during World War II that destroyed their original location at Alexanderplatz.
So even today, we still have the chance to stroll through this massive sandstone monument, with its ornate putto figures on the roofs, whose attributes allude to trade and commerce.
📍 Heinrich-von-Kleist Park, Potsdamer Straße 186, 10783 Berlin
📆 Open to the public at any time
⏳ About 15–30 minutes for a tour and photos
💵 Free
ℹ️ More info
