Discover Berlin’s hidden places this weekend
Over 7500 historical sites and monuments across Germany are opening their doors for this year’s ‘Tag des offenen Denkmals’ on 7the and 8th September, which is Germany’s contribution to the European Heritage Days.
Berlin's Renaissance Theate ©Roland Rossner
The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of conservation and restoration work for our cultural heritage, and allow visitors access to fascinating places, many of which are otherwise closed to the public.
Teufelsberg former US Cold War listening station
In Berlin, the highlights include the abandoned US Cold War listening station on Devil’s Mountain (www.denkmal-teufelsberg.de); the former Centre Français de Berlin, which boasts its own Eiffel Tower (www.centre-francais.de); the magnificent swimming baths in Lichtenberg, which closed, ironically, due to water damage (Facebook page); and the Britzer Mühle, one of only two fully functioning windmills in Berlin (www.britzer-muellerverein.de).
Britzer Mühle (windmill) in Berlin ©Britzer Müllerverein
A particular highlight for fans of the Hotel Concorde Berlin, which was designed by Jan Kleihues, is the Kleihues+Kleihues architects’ office, a lovingly renovated former rubbish transfer station located on the banks of the River Spree (www.kleihues.com).
Kleihues+Kleihues architects' office
The subject this year is “Beyond the good and the beautiful: uncomfortable monuments”. Berlin has more than its fair share of uncomfortable monuments, and there will be special tours and events dedicated to this subject.
The Soviet War Memorial in Treptow ©Emma Martell
With over 300 monuments to choose from in Berlin alone, two days simply are not enough!
Tag des offenen Denkmals
7 & 8 Sep
Various locations
mostly free admission
www.tag-des-offenen-denkmals.de
