The Bundesrat opens its Doors to Art and Architecture

To mark the public holidays on May 2 and 30, 2025, the Bundesrat is inviting the public to join its renowned “Art and Architecture” guided tours. Held at 10:00 and 14:00 on both days, this cultural experience offers citizens and visitors a unique chance to explore the historic building through an artistic and symbolic lens, encouraging dialogue between politics, heritage, and society.

Located in the heart of Berlin and framed by the urban modernity of Potsdamer Platz, the Bundesrat building — the former Prussian Lords' Palace — stands as an architectural witness to over a century of history. Its walls reflect the coexistence of tradition and modernity, enhanced by a collection of artworks with great symbolic value. Notable pieces include the bronze sculptures by Danish artist Per Kirkeby and the installation “The Three Graces” by Rebecca Horn. The building also bears the mark of composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, who lived here during decisive years of his youth. In the courtyard, a white magnolia blooms as a symbol of life and historical continuity.

The address Leipziger Straße 3-4, home to the Bundesrat, has been the site of major turning points in German political history: from monarchy to democracy, from the Nazi regime to the fall of the Wall. It has also hosted expressions of culture, such as music and porcelain. Today, this collective memory is reflected both in its architecture and in the artworks decorating its interiors and exteriors, offering a visual narrative that connects the past and present. The initiative to open its doors to the public strengthens the Bundesrat’s role not only as a legislative chamber but also as a guardian of historical memory and a promoter of democratic culture.

The “Art and Architecture” guided tours last 90 minutes and offer a comprehensive tour of the building, including the plenary hall. Although most slots for May and the rest of the year are already full, there is still availability for May 2 and 30. These activities highlight the significance of the Bundesrat as a space where political decisions and cultural encounters intertwine, fostering direct access for society to its institutions.

Each tour group is limited to 25 participants, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience. Additionally, the tour is available in several languages: English, French, Russian, Italian, and Danish. To register, an email must be sent to besucherdienst@bundesrat.de with the following details: desired date and time, first name, last name, and date of birth. Incomplete registrations cannot be processed.

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