Humboldt Forum to Preserve Legacy of Palace of the Republic, Despite Exhibition’s End
As the special exhibition on the Palace of the Republic at the Berlin Humboldt Forum draws to a close this weekend, General Director Hartmut Dorgerloh has affirmed the museum’s commitment to keeping the memory of this iconic site alive.
"The history of the location is and remains an important theme for the Humboldt Forum," Dorgerloh stated in an interview with RBB-Inforadio. The former GDR building, along with the Berlin City Palace, once occupied the site of the present-day museum.
"We have traces of the history of the palace and the Palace of the Republic within the building itself," Dorgerloh emphasized. "We are currently considering how we can intensify this, how we can make it more apparent."
The exhibition featured numerous interviews with contemporary witnesses, and Dorgerloh expressed the intention to continue this aspect of remembrance work. Additionally, the Humboldt Forum has received numerous donations, including personal souvenirs and artifacts from the Palace of the Republic. "We need to think about how to better showcase these items," Dorgerloh said.
Moreover, a bronze model of the palace is scheduled to be installed in front of the building in the near future. The exhibition, titled "Hin und weg – Der Palast der Republik ist Gegenwart" (Here and Gone – The Palace of the Republic is Present), has been on display since May 2024 and will conclude on the upcoming Sunday.
A Vibrant History: Layers of Significance
The Humboldt Forum is situated on a site that has witnessed centuries of history, from the Baroque Berlin City Palace to the socialist-era Palace of the Republic. This juxtaposition of architectural styles and historical chapters presents a unique opportunity to explore Germany’s complex past.
The Palace of the Republic, built in the 1970s, was a monumental structure that housed the GDR’s parliament and served as a cultural and social center. After the reunification of Germany in 1990, the building became a subject of heated debate, with some advocating for its preservation and others demanding its demolition.
Ultimately, the Palace of the Republic was dismantled in 2008, and the Humboldt Forum, designed by Italian architect Franco Stella, was constructed in its place. The new museum is intended to be a place of dialogue and exchange, fostering cross-cultural understanding and exploring the interconnectedness of global history.
Preserving the Past, Bridging the Present and Future
Dorgerloh believes that the Humboldt Forum’s role extends beyond showcasing artifacts and presenting exhibitions. It is also a space for reflecting on the past and engaging with contemporary issues.
"We want to make the Humboldt Forum a place where people can learn about the past, but also where they can ask questions about the present and the future," Dorgerloh said. "We want to contribute to a more open and tolerant society."
The Humboldt Forum’s commitment to preserving the memory of the Palace of the Republic is a testament to the museum’s dedication to confronting the past and understanding its impact on the present. By incorporating traces of the former building into its displays and fostering dialogue with contemporary witnesses, the Humboldt Forum seeks to create a space for remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation.
