Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

The Kaiser Wilhem Memorial Church is a large active Protestant Church that has retained a portion of the partially ruined old church tower as a constant memorial and reminder of the horrors of war.
The church, named after the the first German Kaiser, Wilhelm I, was planned by his grandson and constructed between 1891 and 1895. The church originally had five towers housing the second largest church bells in Germany, but they were melted for munitions during the war.
During Allied bombing raids in 1943, the church sustained severe damage severing the upper portion of the main spire and collapsing the roof. The allies were not willing to rebuild it after the war, so it remained in ruins for over a decade. If it wasn't for public opposition the remaining ruins would have been completely demolished in the 1950s. Instead, architect Egon Eiermann incorporated the existing ruins into his design for the new church, a modern octogon design with stained glass inlays and a hexagonal tower also with stained glass inlays. The blue light shining through the stained glass windows of the new buildings make them much more impressive from inside than outside except at night when the reverse is true.
In addition to viewing the outside, it's free to go inside the vestibule of the old church where you will see the original intricate mosaics depicting a number of religious scenes. You'll also be presented with a brief history of the church complete with photographs and scale models. Definitely a must see.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoClosed Now
Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.
- Monday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Category: Churches Landmarks & Historical Buildings
Address:
Breitscheidplatz 1
10789 Berlin
Germany
Phone: +49 30 2185023
Reviews
Robyn P. Jul-11-2022
The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is over 100 years old. The church was heavy damaged in 1943 during a bombing during World War II. The newer addition that... Read More
John H. Jul-24-2022
What could I possibly say that hasn't already been said? If you've never visited, then make it part of your first or second trip to Berlin. Definitely do... Read More
Michael U. Aug-12-2022
Called "the hollow tooth" the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a Protestant church on the Kurfürstendamm in the centre of the Breitscheidplatz. Badly... Read More
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Directions
How to get to Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church by U-Bahn, S-Bahn
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Line(s): S3, U1, U2,
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Station(s): U Kurfürstendamm, U+S Zoologischer Garten
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Photo Gallery
Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wuestenigel - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Franganillo - cc license via Flickr