Berlin Trip Overview
Berlin has been one of the most important cities creating modern architecture. As an experienced guide, trained historian and author of several books (including “Architectural History of Berlin”) I will take you to exciting architectural gems dating from the 1920s to the 1960s – including projects by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, Hans Scharoun and the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Some of these buildings are World heritage sites recognized by the UNESCO. I will introduce you to the architectural and aesthetic concepts of the architects as well as the social and political background of their works. During the Weimar Republic Berlin became particularly important, as a laboratory for modernism, and later, during the Cold War, West Berlin was seen as the “showcase of the free world”, prompting its city planners to foster a modernist program.
Additional Info
Duration: 180 to 200 minutes
Starts: Berlin, Germany
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Berlin Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Berlin has been one of the most important cities creating modern architecture. As an experienced guide, trained historian and author of several books (including “Architectural History of Berlin”) I will take you to exciting architectural gems dating from the 1920s to the 1960s – including projects by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, Hans Scharoun and the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Some of these buildings are World heritage sites recognized by the UNESCO. I will introduce you to the architectural and aesthetic concepts of the architects as well as the social and political background of their works. During the Weimar Republic Berlin became particularly important, as a laboratory for modernism, and later, during the Cold War, West Berlin was seen as the “showcase of the free world”, prompting its city planners to foster a modernist program.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Siemensstadt, Berlin, Germany
In „Siemensstadt“, a building complex designed by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius has been preserved, as well as several buildings by Hans Scharoun, who also had a decisive influence on Berlin architecture after 1945. In this housing estate, the transition between residential buildings and the adjacent park has been particularly well accomplished.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin Germany
The ruins of the spire of the world-famous Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church provide a brilliant insight into the grand splendour of Imperial Germany, from which 20th century architects wanted to set themselves apart. After the Second World War, West Berlin’s centre was rebuilt, following the aesthetic principles of International Style. We will visit the foyer of the old church with its magnificent mosaics and the impressive interior of the new church, which was designed by German architect Egon Eiermann together with Gabriel Loire. The stained glass windows were inspired by Chartres Cathedral.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Hansaviertel, Hansaviertel, Berlin
In 1957, the “International Building Exhibition” was opened on the site of the old Hansa Quarter, which had been completely destroyed in the war. Almost all the important architects of the time took part. We will take a closer look at some of the buildings and will learn more, why they were, at the time, regarded as so uniquely modern.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Ernst-Reuter-Platz, 10587 Berlin Germany
Ernst-Reuter-Platz was newly created after 1955 and constitutes the most important urban ensemble in West Berlin. We will discover connections with Mies van der Rohe’s ideas dating back to the Weimar years and why the Bauhaus ideas had finally succeeded.
Duration: 20 minutes
