History of the Site
Much has happened here
Swampland, city quarter, monastery, royal recidence, parade ground, Palace of the Republic, lawn, and now the Humboldt Forum. No other site in Berlin has experienced such a concentration of social, urban, political and cultural developments as the Schlossplatz. Over the past 800 years, this site is where those in power have built, redesigned, demolished and re-planned the buildings that were to give their political ambitions a visible form. At the Humboldt Forum, you will find four permanent exhibitions devoted to this history.
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A site of power
This site was and is a site of power. The buildings erected here were, and still are, used by the powerful as political symbols and as a public stage.
Staged displays play an important role in spreading political messages. They continue to shape our perceptions of this site to this day.
A controversial site
For centuries, this site was a centre of power and a stage for displays of strength. For that very reason, it has also been a crucible for revolutionary protest and social debate.
Revolutions, demonstrations and debates aim to oppose power structures and their self-representations.
A working site
Whether at the Royal Palace, the Palace of the Republic, or the Humboldt Forum – for any grand show to work well, it takes many people working behind the scenes at all times.
From the cellar to the roof – a wide variety of professions have been, and are, active on this site.
A public site
The buildings on this site have always been accessible to the public. Visitors went in and out, took care of official business in the Royal Palace or listened to a concert in the Palace of the Republic. Today, we invite you to discover the Humboldt Forum and everything it offers.
In front of the Royal Palace, in the Palace of the Republic and today at the Humboldt Forum – this is a place to encounter others.