1 . G E R M A N
B U N D E S T A G
PLATZ DER REPUBLIK 1
The Reichstag is an internationally recognisable symbol of democracy and the current home of
the German parliament . Every year , thousands of guests visit the Reichstag - and with good
reason : It is not often that you can enjoy such an amazing panorama while , just beneath your
feet , the political decisions of tomorrow are being made . Both as an architectural wonder and a
historical testimony , the Reichstag has an important role to play in Berlin .
The original building is designed by Paul Wallot and modelled after the Memorial Hall in
Philadelphia . Decorative motifs , sculptures and mosaics are contributed by the artist Otto
Lessing . The Reichstag is completed in 1894 although it doesn ’ t acquire its iconic dedication to
“ the German People ” until 1916 when the words Dem Deutschen Volke are inscribed on its façade .
At the time Kaiser Wilhelm II regards the building as “ the pinnacle of bad taste ”.
The Reichstag serves as the home of the German parliament until 1933 when the building is badly
damaged in a fire . This event marks the end of the Weimar Republic and provides a convenient
pretext for Hitler to suppress dissent . Under Nazi dictatorship , the building falls into neglect and
is severely damaged during the Second World War . In 1945 it becomes one of the primary targets
for the Red Army due to its perceived propaganda value .
After the war , West Germany ’ s parliament is relocated to Bonn , and the building remains a virtual
ruin until 1961 when a partial renovation is undertaken in the shadow of the newly erected Wall .
Completed in 1964 this controversial restoration sees the building ’ s interior and exterior stripped
of the majority of its statuary . However , the city makes efforts to retain the traces of its more
recent history such as the bullet ridden façade and the graffiti left by the occupying Soviet
soldiers .
Throughout the cold war period and until the German reunification in 1989 the Reichstag is the
site of a permanent exhibition , “ Questions about German History ” but otherwise sees only
occasional ceremonial use . In 1990 the Reichstag is the site of the official reunification ceremony .
After another year of intense debate , it is decided that it will once again be the home of the
German national parliament . In 1995 , just prior to the commencement of Norman Foster ’ s
restoration of the building , artist Christo and his wife Jeanne - Claude wrap the Reichstag in
fabric . Foster ’ s careful restoration and redesign of the building is completed in 1999 , and the new
German government convenes at the Reichstag for the first time on April the 19th .
There is a certain irony in the fact that the building ’ s glass cupola is not featured in Foster ’ s
original plans for the renovation of the Reichstag . The dome sits directly above the debating
chamber . A mirrored cone at its centre directs light into the Reichstag , increasing the building ’ s
energy efficiency and affording visitors a view of the parliamentary proceedings below . The dome
itself can be visited by prior registration and is reached by two large steel ramps that curve up
towards it in the form of a double helix .