Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Bauhaus Archive exterior
- Embassy District
- Kulturforum (exterior)
- Potsdamer Platz
- Kollhoff tower
- Felleshus (exterior)
Photos & Highlights
- Berlin architecture tour led by local architect or historian
- Discover the stories behind the spaces of Berlin
Select a date
Tour Description
Berlin’s landscape reflects more than the destruction of World War II and the division of the Cold War—the 20th century has also been one of extraordinary creativity for Berlin's architecture. Guided by a local architect or historian, this 3-hour Berlin architecture tour highlights the innovative and impressive buildings that have redefined the cityscape in the past decades, from the Bauhaus to Futurism. As we explore the rebuilding of modern-day Berlin, we'll read the rich story of 20th-century architecture in the city’s skyline.
Modernist Avant-Garde
We'll start outside the striking Bauhaus Archive, where we’ll talk about the Bauhaus design movement of the 1920s, from its inspired beginnings to an abrupt and troubled end, while also considering its effect on later architectural movements and contemporary life. We’ll then wind our way towards the Embassy District, where we'll see how various countries have attempted to display their national ideals via the medium of architecture.
Please note: the Bauhaus Archive Museum is currently closed due to extensive restoration works inside. We'll only visit the exterior during this tour.
Please note: the Bauhaus Archive Museum is currently closed due to extensive restoration works inside. We'll only visit the exterior during this tour.
Mid-Century Highlights and Urban Renewal
Next, we'll head for the iconic Kulturforum, a collection of state institutions built in the 1950s and 60s. The area is a cultural hub, home to many museums, including the Gemäldegalerie and Mies van der Rohe's classical modernist New National Gallery; the stunning Philharmonie, seat of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra; and the State Library. Thanks to its astonishing redevelopment after years as a Cold War wasteland, adjacent Potsdamer Platz is a prime position for contemplating different but interrelated schools of architecture. We may also be able to ascend the famous Kollhoff Tower for panoramic views of the skyline.
Berlin: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
At the end of our time together, we’ll have a deeper understanding of the relationship between German architecture and German history. Yet this will also be an international story, demonstrating how different nations have endeavored to showcase their own cultures in Berlin. Inspired by Berlin’s history and ever-changing faces, we’ll have a grasp of how architectural movements are both reflections and influencers of the world around us.
For a look at Berlin's architecture through a different lens, please see our Berlin Cold War tour.
Where You'll Start
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101 Reviews
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The tour really wasn't what we expected but it was even better! We thought it would be a simple tour of buildings/architecture, but Jan put the architecture in the context of the history of Berlin which make it even more special. As noted above, this tour ran over 30 minutes so we recommend keeping to the appointed time and even starting the tours a little earlier. Also, we recommend you suggest to the docents that, when possible, they have the group stand in the shade at stopping points where further discussion will be had. Our other docent did a pretty good job of that but Jan did not. It was extremely hot in Berlin those days and even if it's just a sunny, pleasant day, standing the shade would be preferable.
Phyllis
Reviewed on:
May 27, 2017
It was a lovely tour. Very interesting and enjoyable. Heri was great. Very knowledgeable and nice person. I would highly recommend.
Steven
Reviewed on:
May 16, 2017
Walk was really only about 2 hours. Rather scattered, didn't seem to have a defined focus, and the guide did not seem to be an expert on either history or architecture. for example, she did not know when the Weimar Republic was. We kind of randomly looked at modern buildings. Most of the other guides had lots of materials to show us or to help explain things. I felt I knew almost as much about the architecture as she did. Definitely not so good.
Glenn
Reviewed on:
Jul 18, 2016
