Reichstag

The Reichstag in Berlin is one of the most emblematic buildings in Germany, whose history is intrinsically linked to the country’s political and social events. Built between 1884 and 1894 according to the design of Paul Wallot, the Reichstag was intended to house the parliament of the newly formed German Empire. The architecture of the building is an example of neo-Renaissance style, with classical influences inspired by the Hall of Memories in Philadelphia. The facade is decorated with sculptures and mosaics by the artist Otto Lessing, while the inscription “Dem Deutschen Volke” (“To the German people”) was only added in 1916, during World War I. Initially, the building was not particularly appreciated by Emperor Wilhelm II, who considered it “the epitome of bad taste.” Despite this, the Reichstag became the heart of German politics until 1933, when a devastating fire struck it. This event was used by the Nazis as a pretext to consolidate their power, accusing the communists of the fire and initiating a harsh political repression. During the Nazi regime, the Reichstag was neglected and suffered further damage during World War II, becoming one of the main targets of the Red Army during the Battle of Berlin. After the war, the Reichstag lay in ruins and the German parliament was moved to Bonn in West Germany. Only in 1961 was a partial restoration initiated, during which many of the original decorations were removed. During the Cold War period, the building housed a permanent exhibition on German history, but was only sporadically used for ceremonial events. The real change came with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. On October 3, 1990, the Reichstag was the site of the official ceremony for German reunification. In 1995, just before the start of the restoration works led by architect Norman Foster, artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude wrapped the building in a colossal temporary artwork made of fabric, an event that attracted millions of visitors. The renovation of the Reichstag, completed in 1999, combined historical elements with modern design. The new glass dome, designed by Foster, has become a symbol of transparency and democracy. The dome, with its central cone of mirrors reflecting natural light into the parliament chamber, not only improves the building’s energy efficiency but also allows visitors to directly observe the parliamentary proceedings below. This design symbolizes the Germans’ desire to maintain vigilant control over their democratic institutions, after a century of political turbulence.