Palace, parliament, palace
East Germany blew up the war-damaged palace in 1950 and built the Palace of the Republic, home of its parliament. Berliners nicknamed it "Erich's lamp shop" for its many lights; it was torn down in 2006–2008.
Urban Tales › Berlin › Humboldt Forum
Humboldt Forum: the history, and the palace that came back
A royal palace, a communist parliament, and now a museum with baroque walls: few spots in Berlin have changed identity so often. Here's what you're looking at, and what to listen for when you get there.
Palace begun1443
Demolished1950
Opened2020–2021
ArchitectFranco Stella
Hear the Humboldt Forum story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Three old sides and one new
Three facades copy the baroque palace stone by stone, while the side facing the river is plain and modern, designed by Franco Stella.
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A museum of the world
Inside, the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art share the building with an exhibition about Berlin, a choice that still sparks debate about colonial-era collections.
TipWalk into the Schlüterhof courtyard to see the rebuilt baroque walls up close, then head to the roof terrace for a view of the cathedral and Museum Island. With Urban Tales running, the forum's story plays as you reach Schlossplatz.
Nearby landmarks
Humboldt Forum: common questions
What is the Humboldt Forum?
A museum and cultural center inside a rebuilt version of the Berlin royal palace.
Why was the Berlin Palace rebuilt?
After reunification, the Bundestag decided to rebuild the palace facades on the site of the demolished Palace of the Republic.
When did the Humboldt Forum open?
In stages between 2020 and 2021.