What to do with the Palace of the Republic (GDR Capitol) [Pic Heavy]

[Kellanved]

Built in 1976 on the site of the Berlin Imperial Palace, the Palace of the Republic (Palast der Republik) is one of the symbols of the ongoing rift in the German Society.
For many East Germans it represents everything they liked about the GDR: besides the floors for the GDR "People's Chamber" it housed Bowling Lanes, Espresso bars, Museums, Theaters, Cinemas, was the only place to get Exotic Fruits (Bananas) - most of it for free. The PR praise usually includes the line "not all of us were oppressed".

For West Germans it represents the hypocrisy of the inner party - it displayed wealth and luxury while there weren't even enough houses in the GDR. It was/is almost as infamous as the wall.


Well, so far the theory. The building was shut down for Asbestos Removal immediately after the wall came down (many argue that there was a lot more asbestos in less famous buildings). The removal was completed a short while ago, the former Palace is now a ruin standing in central Berlin, an eyesore.

Basically three proposals are being discussed;
-Fix it; The University always needs more rooms, and the Museums aren't even able to present all famous artworks. It would be more honest considering the divided history. (East Berlin position)
-Raze it, construct a public Park with a memorial in it's place. (Politicians argue that only this option is affordable)
-Raze it and reconstruct the Imperial Palace, restoring Central Berlin to it's Weimar look. (No public funds available, the reconstructed Palace would probably not be a public building)


Imperial Palace:


Palace of the Republic (GDR):






(Lobby)


(Party Convention - Great hall)


(Party Convention - Great hall)


(house floor)


Palace of the Republic (Today):




(Lobby)


(Great hall)


(House Floor)

[Waverley_Hills_Hiker]

1. Museuminsel...All Museum, All the Time.

I voted fix it mainly for that reason..more exhibition space.

I sure dont like the idea of rebuilding that palace, which is actually pretty bad compared to the Charollettenburg.

The park is OK, too. But the "fix it" options is a bit more honest, and apparently you all need the space.

[David__77]

2. Fix it.

They shouldn't try to wipe out the reminders of the GDR. They voted for UNIFICATION, not for assimilation. It's too bad that it has turned out to be the latter and not the former. There's nothing wrong with the social guarantees of health care, education, old age income and employment as were provided.

[Kellanved]

3. that is my opinion as well.

Rebuilding the Imperial Palace is most popular, with the President and the Federal Lower House supporting it.
The main argument is that the Weimar Republic was founded in the original Palace, many GDR Victims argue against the Palace of the Republic as well.

But IMHO the Palace of the Republic was home to a more recent important decision/fuckup : to tear down the wall. It looks reasonably well for a modern building and I don't like buildings built to look old (like a fake Imperial Palace) at all.

Anyway: nothing is worse than the ruin with the empty place in front - we're talking about a prime-cut city area surrounded by Museums, the City-Hall and other important places (and - about to be completed - a WalMart :grr:).