Palace of the Republic
In this time this remarkable building
of a new cultural category was constructed. A country, wich had
not a very comfortable position, was able to afford the most modern
cultural building in Europe. Among the 65 largest cultural buildings
of multiple purpose all over the world - for instance the Congress-Hall
in Helsinki of Alvar Aalto, the Centre Pompidou in Paris or the
ICC in Berlin - the Palace of the Republic is number one, on account
of its sophisticated technics. 
This palace should express a new feeling of culture, the feeling
of the firm connection between state and people. But there was
something wrong in this connection as history tells us.
Nevertheless, this piece of modern architecture is demonstrating,
that the architects and builders were devoted to the fundamental
idea of bringing together state and people. This was a continuation
of the "people's house", an old socialdemocratic tradition.
Today it is hardly imaginable, to have parliamentary sessions,
public restaurants and a theatre in the same building. Every security-guard
would run the risk of a heart attack, if the security-area around
the house of parliament should be not more than barely 20 m.
In this house history was made. The first free elected parliament
of the G.D.G. paved here the way to the German unification. For
that reason and not at last with regard to the 40 years history
of two separated states, wich are now reunited, is it necessary
to do everything to preserve the house. During the last years
to much was lost, wich has been of importance for the citizens
east of the river Elbe.
The Main Entrance
The Main Lobby
The Large hall
The Palace of the Republic
Gallery
The Assembly Chamber
The chief architect Prof. Heinz
Graffunder
