One area
which perfectly embodies the artistic spirit and ideology of post-reunification
Berlin is the heritage site Hackesche Höfe, located just off Hackescher Markt
in the Mitte district. This complex of 8 inter-connected courtyards combines
cafes, offices, galleries, bars, restaurants, and a theatre. The spaces are
interspersed with benches and fountains, which combine with the quaint
wrought-iron balconies of the apartments on the upper floors to create an
almost Mediterranean feel.
The most
attractive feature here is the lovingly restored Art Nouveau façade, decorated
with stunning glazed white tiles featuring Moorish mosaic designs. The area was
designed in 1906 by August Endell, one of the founders of the Jugendstil
movement, the German expressionist movement of Art Nouvea. Hackesche Höfe is
considered by many to be one of the best examples of this type of architecture
in Germany.
The
buildings were originally designed as a housing experiment in what was a
densely populated area, and contained 80 separate apartments. After being
damaged during WWII, the area was neglected and fell into disrepair. Extensive
restoration to the site began in 1997, and it now represents a unique story of
the close relationship between the investors who bought the land, the
conservation authority and the artists and residents that live and work here.
The scheme
that was put in place required all businesses to be managed by the owners,
therefore making it chain-free. Since reunification, young people from all over
the world have settled here to start businesses which showcase their ideas.
These entrepreneurs used the city as their muse, creating a mutual feeling of
artistic freedom and inspiration within this enclosed urban space.
Wind your
way through the different courtyards and you will find fashion boutiques, gift
shops, a chocolate manufacturer, various jewellers and art galleries. Visitors
can enjoy a coffee sitting outside one of the cafes scattered throughout the
courtyards, or grab an ice cream and take five on a bench to soak in the
atmosphere. This laid-back, alternative part of Berlin is just waiting to be
explored, so spend an hour or two experiencing this unique place.
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