British Embassy

View of the British Embassy in Berlin.

The British Embassy near the Brandenburg Gate is an exemplary building of postmodernism. Next to the conservative Hotel Adlon, the eye-catching facade is particularly striking.

The exemplary postmodern building of the British Embassy in Berlin stands out from the surrounding facades. The building, designed by architect Michael Wilford, was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.

Architecture of the British Embassy

The classic, light-colored sandstone façade of the British embassy only appears conventional at first glance: it is not only broken up by the slanted windows, but is also slanted towards the neighboring buildings. The large hole in the façade on the second floor is particularly striking. Two colored structures protrude from this hole. The round, purple body is a conference room, while the light blue, trapezoidal body houses an information center. The 120 offices of the British Embassy staff are grouped around two inner courtyards. Behind the entrance is an open courtyard of honor with an English oak tree. This is adjoined by a winter garden, which serves as a communication center.

Historic location, but only rented

The site of the British Embassy already belonged to the United Kingdom in the 19th century. The embassy building at the time was badly damaged during the Second World War and subsequently demolished. However, the site remained in the possession of the United Kingdom. After Berlin became the seat of the German government, the British government decided to build a new embassy building. The British Embassy building is the first privately financed embassy. The British state rents it.

Information

• Address:
  Wilhelmstraße 70 - 71
  10117 Berlin
  City map
• Phone: [phone]
• Internet: www.gov.uk