New Guard (Neue Wache)

The Neue Wache in Berlin is a monument full of historical and symbolic significance, located along the famous Unter den Linden avenue. Built between 1816 and 1818 according to the design of Karl Friedrich Schinkel, this neoclassical building was originally conceived as a barracks for the Prussian Royal Guard. Over time, the Neue Wache has taken on different functions and meanings, evolving from a military symbol to a place of remembrance for the victims of war and tyranny. Schinkel, one of the most influential architects of his time, conceived the Neue Wache as a Doric temple, with an imposing facade characterized by a portico with eight columns and a decorated pediment. The choice of neoclassical style was not random: it evoked the ancient traditions of Greece and Rome, emphasizing Prussia’s aspiration to be the heir of such cultures and a symbol of order and power. During the period of the Prussian monarchy and the German Empire, the Neue Wache served as a barracks and office for the royal guard, a role it maintained until the end of World War I. With the fall of the monarchy and the establishment of the Weimar Republic, the building was transformed in 1931 into a Memorial for the Fallen of World War I. This new function was accompanied by the installation of a statue by Heinrich Tessenow, depicting a mother with her deceased son, a symbol of grief and human sacrifice. During World War II, the Neue Wache suffered severe damage due to bombings. After the war, the building found itself in East Berlin, under the control of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). In 1960, the GDR government decided to restore the Neue Wache and transform it into a “Memorial for the Victims of Fascism and Militarism.” This new political interpretation reflected the dominant ideology of the regime, which saw the fight against fascism and militarism as one of its main historical justifications. In 1993, after the reunification of Germany, the Neue Wache was once again converted, this time into the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Victims of War and Tyranny. The heart of the memorial is represented by a moving sculpture by Käthe Kollwitz, titled “Mother with Dead Son,” which replaced Tessenow’s statue. The choice of Kollwitz, one of Germany’s most famous and respected artists, adds an additional layer of emotional and artistic meaning to the monument. The sculpture is placed under an open oculus in the ceiling, allowing natural light to illuminate the work and the elements to enter, symbolizing the vulnerability and perpetual exposure of war victims. Today, the Neue Wache is a place of reflection and commemoration, visited by thousands of people every year. Every element of the building, from the solemn neoclassical architecture to the poignant central sculpture, contributes to creating an atmosphere of respect and meditation. Official visits, commemorative ceremonies, and simple individual visits highlight the importance of the place as a space of collective memory. The architecture of the Neue Wache, with its strict classicism, invites visitors to reflect on the continuity and rupture of German history. The Doric columns and pediment evoke a sense of permanence and order, while the stark interior and Kollwitz’s sculpture speak of loss and grief. This contrast makes the Neue Wache a unique place in the landscape of European memorials, capable of communicating a wide range of emotions and historical meanings. The location of the Neue Wache along Unter den Linden, one of Berlin’s most important avenues, accentuates its visibility and its role in the city’s urban fabric. Surrounded by other historical and cultural buildings, such as Humboldt University and the Staatsoper, the Neue Wache is an integral part of Berlin’s tourist and cultural itinerary.