Future location
The German-Polish House is to be built in the heart of the German capital. The prerequisites for this are good spatial conditions for the construction of a German-Polish House as an ensemble of monument, exhibition and seminar building, the possibility of rapid realisation and a central, easily accessible location in Berlin.
The preferred location for the German-Polish House is the site of the former Kroll Opera House in the immediate neighbourhood of the Federal Chancellery and the Bundestag.
In Germany, this is the symbol of the invasion of Poland and the ensuing outbreak of World War Two. It was the seat of the German Bundestag after the Reichstag burnt down in 1933. And it was here that the Bundestag convened to listen to Hitler’s speech on 1 September 1939 announcing the attack on Poland. Realising the project here would be a highly symbolic gesture in both Germany and Poland.
Discussions are currently under way regarding the availability of this plot and its potential for construction, and possible alternatives.
»House without a Place« concept
The German-Polish House is to become publicly visible even before the building is constructed. The German-Polish House is therefore pursuing the concept of a "House without a Place" and is already going public with its programmes. The aim is to set topics and hold discussions that critically examine and help shape the development of German-Polish relations. Panel discussions, book presentations, outreach events in the city, commemorative events, an audio tour of Polish traces in Berlin, an academic conference, a publication, a poster campaign and other events with our partners are part of it.
In line with the "House without a Place" concept, educational and meeting formats are also organised even before a building is completed: Educational projects with young people, digital programmes and social media campaigns, the "Flying Academy", readings, concerts and debates raise the profile of the German-Polish House.