The Reichstag Building is a historical edifice in Berlin, Germany, constructed to house the Imperial Diet (German: Reichstag) of the German Empire. It was opened in 1894 and housed the Diet until 1933, when it was severely damaged after being set on fire. The building was fully restored after German reunification and today serves as the home of the German parliament, the Bundestag.
Architectural Style
The Reichstag building is an example of the Neoclassical style, which was very popular in Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a symmetrical building with two wings and a large central cupola. The main façade is decorated with six large Corinthian columns, while the two wings feature smaller Ionic columns. The building also features two large statues, one of which is a representation of the goddess Victoria.
Designer
The Reichstag building was designed by the Prussian architect Paul Wallot. Wallot was born in 1841 and studied architecture at the Technical University of Berlin. He was a prominent figure in the German architectural scene, having designed several other important buildings such as the Main Railway Station in Berlin. Wallot’s design for the Reichstag was selected from a number of entries in an architectural competition held in 1891.
Construction and History
Construction of the Reichstag building began in 1894 and was completed in less than two years. The building was officially opened on December 2, 1894. The building served as the home of the Imperial Diet until 1933, when it was set on fire by an unknown arsonist. The building was heavily damaged and remained unused until after German reunification in 1990. The building was then restored to its former glory and reopened in 1999, this time as the home of the modern German parliament, the Bundestag.
Notable Features
The Reichstag building is notable for several features. One of the most prominent is the large cupola at the center of the building, which is covered in gold leaf and features a glass dome. The cupola is also home to the famous Statue of Freedom, which is a representation of the goddess Victoria. The building also features two large statues, one of which is a representation of the goddess Victoria.
Conclusion
The Reichstag building is an important part of German history and is a symbol of the country’s reunification. The building was designed by the Prussian architect Paul Wallot and was completed in 1894. It served as the home of the Imperial Diet until 1933, when it was severely damaged after being set on fire. The building was fully restored after German reunification and today serves as the home of the German parliament, the Bundestag.