Berlin – While in the eastern part of Berlin the architects of the 50s on today’s Karl-Marx-Allee were still looking back at Schinkel and working on socialist classicism, at the same time in the west they wanted to forget the whole past. And start completely fresh. Both political systems had very similar ideas in mind: the new architecture should produce a new person. Neither in the East nor in the West did it really work, but it is nice, instructive and downright touching to take a closer look at these idealistic attempts in such unideal times as today.
For an atmospheric trip back to West Berlin in the post-war years, it is best to take the Clayallee south-west to Dahlem. The former Kronprinzenallee was renamed in 1949 in honor of the US military governor of the zone of occupation and “father of the airlift”, General Lucius D. Clay. At Clayallee 135, you immediately think you are in a different world – namely as soon as the former Outpost cinema appears, which was built in 1953 exclusively for the US military personnel. The entrance front with its rounded corners, glass blocks and striking linear neon letters is bursting with self-confidence. Quite outpost (in German outpost) Hollywood in the front city of Berlin. Today the building houses the Allied Museum, which documents the role of the Western powers USA, England and France between 1945 and 1994.
Get unlimited access to all B + articles in the Berliner Zeitung, including audio.
1 month free.
Then € 9.99 in a monthly subscription.
Can be canceled at any time during the test period.
Try 1 month for free
.