There’s always something new. A little sand dune gone—a new building gone up. Or one that’s disappeared.
That’s Berlin.
My friend J. is already staring out the window as soon as we arrive, amazed. “This wasn’t here before, was it? And when did they put that up?”
In the rain, we walk toward one of the city’s newest additions: the Humboldtbox. A gray-blue cube right in the middle of Schlossplatz. Right in the heart of downtown, where the Palast der Republik once stood and was torn down—and where the Berliner Stadtschloss is now set to rise again.
Admission: 2 euros. That’s a good start. Inside, historical films about the city palace that once stood here, was severely damaged during World War II, and was blown up by the East German government in 1950.
Upstairs: exhibitions by Humboldt University. Stunning panoramic views through wide, thick windows. And on top of it all, a terrace with stylish chairs, delicious coffee, and a touch of that champagne vibe.
If you peer down here, you suddenly see remnants of the palace: old tile floors, stones, and low walls. Exposed to the open air now that the parking lot that stood here for years has been torn up.
It’s an unusual sight. Even though it’s a historic city, you rarely see actual archaeological remains. And the idea that there might actually still be something of the Stadtschloss’s foundation buried here—that hadn’t even crossed my mind. Guess the Germans weren’t quite as thorough as usual with the cleanup.
So,
yet another new discovery. In the city I always think I know so well. I’m now almost at the point where I actually want to see that Stadtschloss built. Even though it’s far too expensive and will end up being a pale imitation of what it used to look like.
But still. If it can happen anywhere, it’s in this city.
