Reichstag building Berlin

1884 - the year in which the foundation stone for the Reichstag building was laid. Architect Paul Wallot chose the magnificent style of the Italian Renaissance. The striking dome, which you can see today, was also planned back then - as a modern highlight made of glass and steel.

The Reichstag experienced its first important event in 1918 when the Weimar Republic was proclaimed.

The parliament building made dark history in 1933 when the Reichstag fire destroyed a large part of the building. To this day, various theories surround the cause. Whether it was really arson on the part of the communists remains a mystery. However, the fire marked the National Socialists' seizure of power.

An end to the destruction was not in sight. The Reichstag was bombed during the Second World War. In April 1945, Soviet soldiers finally raised the red flag over the destroyed building. A significant symbolic act that marked the victory over the German Reich.

Until German reunification, the Reichstag was no longer the focus of political interest. The FRG parliament governs in Bonn. Nevertheless, it was rebuilt in Berlin. However, initially without the characteristic dome - the Kaiser would have been pleased. With German reunification, the federal government decided in 1991 that the all-German parliament should be moved back to Berlin. To this end, the government plans to rebuild the Reichstag building. An architectural competition was announced. The requirement was to preserve the old style and combine it with energy-saving measures. Sir Norman Foster is awarded the contract - and opts for a glass dome.

The wrapping of the Reichstag
When the interior work was in full swing, the Reichstag building became the protagonist of an impressive art project. In the summer of 1995, silver-colored fabric completely covered the building. A unique sight for all Berliners! The controversial idea came from the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
In 1999, the Reichstag finally fulfilled its purpose: the Bundestag moved into Berlin and remains there to this day.