Rotes Rathaus

About

The Rotes Rathaus – literally ‘Red Town Hall’ – is Berlin’s most iconic municipal building and a symbol of the city’s civic life. Set on Rathausstraße opposite Alexanderplatz, its reddish sandstone façade was constructed between 1861 and 1869 on the plans of Hermann Waesemann, featuring a soaring 74‑metre tower and a square footprint surrounded by four wings. Today it houses the office of the Mayor of Berlin and the Senate, while its many rooms – from the regal Wappen‑Hall to the lavish Grand Banquet Hall – are opened for special exhibitions and public tours. From Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors can stroll through the castle’s halls, though occasional closures for events or security reasons may occur. Entrance is free, making it an approachable destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone eager to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Key highlights include the Wappen‑Hall, the original meeting place of Berlin’s city council, proudly displaying coats of arms from all districts. For those who appreciate neoclassical interiors, the Grand Banquet Hall’s marble floors and fresco‑decorated ceilings are a feast for the eyes. The Säule Hall, once the library, now hosts exhibitions and offers a quiet retreat amid the buzz of Berlin.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes