Berlin 360°

Bustling with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cinemas and the Chamäleon Varieté, the Hackesche Höfe are once again a major attraction in the popular district of Berlin-Mitte. This eight courtyard complex is a prime example of the successful synthesis of residential, commercial and cultural spaces in old Berlin. The Höfe were built in 1906/7 on 10,000 square meters according to plans by Kurt Berndt and August Endell, and together they made up Europe’s largest courtyard complex. Their front section was intended for officers, civil servants and those from the "upper echelons of society." The first courtyard was encircled by an office and entertainment space, while the wings, side houses and back courtyards were filled with stores, craftsmen’s workshops and workers' apartments. After the war, the Höfe were only minimally maintained and restored by the East German government. During this time, they were home to an auto repair shop and a number of small businesses. In 1995/96, the courtyards were thoroughly renovated according to plans by Weiß & Partner and rented out at reasonable rates.