In the heart of quiet Wilmersdorf stands a building that resembles a gigantic industrial monument more than a traditional church. The church on Hohenzollernplatz was built between 1930 and 1933 and is considered one of the most significant works of German Expressionism. With their massive clinker bricks, tapered forms, and striking tower, architects Fritz Höger and Ossip Klarwein created a masterpiece of Modernism. The church combines historic architecture with a vibrant cultural and community life in the heart of western Berlin.
A masterpiece of clinker brick and reinforced concrete
If you look up at the facade from below, the building’s powerful dynamism immediately captivates you. The dark Oldenburg clinker bricks capture the light in completely different ways depending on the time of day, giving the church an almost mystical appearance. The slender, freestanding bell tower rises imposingly into the Berlin sky and defines the entire neighborhood. Architect Fritz Höger, who also designed the famous Chilehaus in Hamburg, set the standard here for the sacred brick architectural style of the 1930s.
Why the neighborhood is called “Kraftwerk”
As you step through the portal into the interior, you’ll immediately understand where the nickname “God’s Power Plant” comes from . Massive, tapering parabolic arches made of reinforced concrete span the entire nave and are strikingly reminiscent of the halls of historic turbine or hydroelectric power plants. This massive structural framework automatically draws your gaze upward and creates a unique, almost urban-industrial sense of tranquility. Combined with the vivid light streaming through the modern stained-glass windows, it creates a sense of space that is guaranteed to give you goosebumps.
Culture, concerts, and neighborhood life
Today, the church is no longer just a place for Sunday services, but a vibrant hub for art and music. Regular organ concerts on the impressive Schuke organ, exhibitions of contemporary art, and spiritual programs draw visitors from all over the city to Wilmersdorf. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, looking to unwind after a hectic day, or seeking captivating sounds: Here you’ll find your perfect sanctuary in Berlin’s urban jungle.
If you’re taking public transportation, hop on the U3 subway line to the Hohenzollernplatz station, which drops you off right in front of the church’s forecourt. If you’re coming by car, head toward the Hohenzollerndamm intersection in Wilmersdorf, but be sure to allow some time to find a parking spot around the square.
📍 Location: Church at Hohenzollernplatz, Nassauische Straße 66–67, 10717 Berlin
📆 Date and time: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Church services on Sundays starting at 10:00 a.m.)
⏳ Duration: Approx. 45 to 60 minutes for a tour and exploration
💵 Cost: Free admission (donations for the preservation of the monument are appreciated)
ℹ️ Website: www.kirche-unter-dem-kreuz.de
