Berlin Architecture Tour: From Bauhaus to Futurism

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.

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.

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.

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.