The Reconstruction of Berlin Palace

Book excerpt: The Berlin Palace in the heart of the German capital experienced a traumatic past: heavily bombed during World War II, the baroque-style royal residence was demolished several years later. Yet in a reversal of fortune, the building has since undergone reconstruction, and 2019 marks the date of its reopening as the home of the Humboldt Forum museum. Illustrated in full color and with contributions by Franco Stella, the architect behind the rebuilding, this volume offers the story of the resurrected palace. As the first comprehensive overview of the massive architectural undertaking, The Reconstruction of Berlin Palace offers an in-depth account by experts who were directly involved in the process. They discuss a range of topics, from the decorative sandstone in the fa ade to the artisanal techniques that enabled the reproduction. The new structure serves as an arresting focal point for the grand avenue Unter den Linden and is a monument both to the original palace and to the modern, vibrant city that has evolved around its replacement.