Germany · Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace

Schloss Charlottenburg originated as a summer residence for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of the Brandenburg Elector Friedrich III. From 1695, he had the building erected in the then village of Lietzow west of Berlin. The complex was initially called Lietzenburg. After Friedrich became Friedrich I, King in Prussia, in 1701, the residence was expanded. Following Sophie Charlotte’s death, it was given the name Charlottenburg in 1705.

Under several Prussian rulers, further sections of the building and garden areas were added. In the 18th century, Friedrich II had the New Wing built. As a result, the original summer residence developed into an extensive palace complex whose architecture reflects various periods of Brandenburg-Prussian history. The settlement of Charlottenburg also grew in its surroundings; it later became an independent city and was incorporated into Groß-Berlin in 1920.

During the Second World War, the palace was severely damaged by air raids. After 1945, a decision was made against demolition and in favour of reconstruction, which continued over several decades. Today, parts of the complex are used as museums. They include historical room sequences, art collections and furnishings from the milieu of the Prussian monarchy. The palace thus commemorates both the residential culture of the Hohenzollern and the treatment of war-damaged architecture in the post-war period.

The first German Federal States series was based on the rotating presidency of the Bundesrat. In this constitutional body, the governments of the Länder participate in the legislation and administration of the Federation. For each Land, a building or landmark with a regional connection was selected. Berlin held the presidency of the Bundesrat from November 2017 to October 2018. In this context, Schloss Charlottenburg was selected as a building historically closely connected with the development of the city and its former role as a Prussian residence.