Neue Wache, Berlin

Name: Neue Wache
Address: Unter den Linden 4, Berlin, 10117, Germany
Telephone: +49 30 25002333

#47 among attractions in Berlin

Monuments and statues, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Top attraction

Gallery (18)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY 3.0 / Ansgar Koreng / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 de / Ansgar Koreng / CC BY 3.0 (DE) / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Alta Falisa / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gino di Ogni / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Alta Falisa / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / OTFW / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Dguendel / URL

Facts and practical information

The Neue Wache stands as a poignant historical monument in the heart of Berlin, Germany. Originally built in 1816 as a guardhouse for the troops of the Crown Prince of Prussia, the structure has since evolved into a main memorial site for the victims of war and dictatorship. The simplicity of its neoclassical architecture, designed by the renowned Karl Friedrich Schinkel, belies the depth of emotion it encapsulates.

At the core of the Neue Wache is a single statue, an enlarged version of Käthe Kollwitz's sculpture "Mother with her Dead Son." This powerful artwork is directly under the oculus of the building, exposing it to the natural elements and symbolizing the suffering of civilians during wartime. The sculpture's stark vulnerability and the oculus's exposure to the weather serve as a universal symbol of grief and loss.

The Neue Wache has undergone several transformations throughout its history, reflecting the changing political tides in Germany. After World War II, it was rededicated in 1960 by the East German government as a Memorial to the Victims of Fascism and Militarism. In 1993, following German reunification, it was given its current dedication by the Federal Republic of Germany.

Alternative names: Architectural style: ClassicismCoordinates: 52°31'4"N, 13°23'44"E

Address

Unter den Linden 4MitteBerlin 10117 Germany

Contact

+49 30 25002333

Website

Social media

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Berlin

Day trips

Neue Wache – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Friedrichstraße, Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Lustgarten.

~1490 ftW
Shopping, Street, Shopping district
Friedrichstraße, Berlin
8 min walk • Friedrichstraße, a bustling artery in the heart of Berlin, Germany, stands as a testament to the city's vibrant shopping culture. Stretching through the central districts of Mitte and Kreuzberg, this prominent thoroughfare is synonymous with luxury and retail therapy...
~920 ftNE
Displays of Greek and Roman artifacts
Altes Museum, Berlin
5 min walk • The Altes Museum, nestled in the heart of Berlin, stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and neoclassical architecture. This eminent museum, inaugurated in 1830, was designed by the renowned architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel and is recognized for housing a vast...
~960 ftNE
Museum of ancient art and archaeology
Neues Museum, Berlin
5 min walk • The Neues Museum stands as a testament to both the rich history of Berlin and the resilience of its cultural institutions. Located on Museum Island in the heart of the city, this museum is home to a vast array of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the 19th...
~890 ftNE
Public park with lawns and fountains
Lustgarten, Berlin
5 min walk • Nestled at the heart of Berlin, the Lustgarten is a serene park that offers both locals and tourists a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. This verdant oasis is located on Museum Island, an ensemble of world-renowned cultural landmarks in the central Mitte...
~320 ftE
Exhibitions tracing German history
Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Berlin, the Deutsches Historisches Museum, or German Historical Museum, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Germany's past. This esteemed institution offers a profound journey through the country's history, from its earliest beginnings...
~490 ftS
Theater, Opera, Ballet
Berlin State Opera, Berlin
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Germany's vibrant capital, the Berlin State Opera, known as Staatsoper Unter den Linden, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry. This historic theater, situated on the famous boulevard Unter den Linden in Berlin, is a...
~960 ftNE
Museum, Archaeological museum
Museum Island, Berlin
5 min walk • Museum Island is an extraordinary cultural beacon in the heart of Berlin, Germany, boasting a unique ensemble of five internationally significant museums. Nestled on the northern half of an island on the Spree River, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament...
~780 ftS
Church, Baroque architecture, Frederick the Great
St. Hedwig's Cathedral, Berlin
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Germany's vibrant capital, St. Hedwig's Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith and a testament to Berlin's rich history. This iconic cathedral, with its distinguished dome and neoclassical architecture, is not only a place of worship but also a...
~410 ftSE
Museum, Frederick the Great, Vernacular architecture
Kronprinzenpalais, Berlin
2 min walk • Nestled in the historic heart of Berlin, Germany, the Kronprinzenpalais, or Crown Prince's Palace, is a residence steeped in the grandeur of a bygone era. This neoclassical building, which once served as the home of Prussian royalty, offers visitors a glimpse into the...
~410 ftS
Palace, Baroque architecture
Prinzessinnenpalais, Berlin
2 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Berlin, the Prinzessinnenpalais, or Princesses' Palace, is a historical gem that beckons culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This Rococo-style building, situated on Unter den Linden boulevard, has a rich history that dates back to the...
~680 ftE
Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Bridge
Schlossbrücke, Berlin
4 min walk • The Schlossbrücke, or Palace Bridge, is an iconic crossing that elegantly spans the Spree river in the heart of Berlin, Germany. This neoclassical stone bridge, adorned with sculptures, connects the eastern edge of the Tiergarten park to the bustling Unter den Linden...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Neue Wache open?

Neue Wache is open:

Monday 10 am - 6 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm
Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
Friday 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 10 am - 6 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Neue Wache?

Nearby attractions include Palais am Festungsgraben, Berlin (2 min walk), Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin (2 min walk), Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin (2 min walk), Prinzessinnenpalais, Berlin (2 min walk).

How to get to Neue Wache by public transport?

The nearest stations to Neue Wache:

Tram

Am Kupfergraben • Lines: 12, M1 (3 min walk)
Universitätsstraße • Lines: 12, M1 (5 min walk)

Metro

U Museumsinsel • Lines: U5 (4 min walk)
U Unter den Linden • Lines: U5, U6 (8 min walk)

Train

Berlin Friedrichstraße (11 min walk)
Berlin Alexanderplatz (18 min walk)

Bus

Alexanderplatz • Lines: 002, 057, 065, 070, 125, 1385, 170, 270, 370, N13, N1385, N232, N44, N70 (23 min walk)