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Bebelplatz: A Square of Enlightenment and Remembrance

Explore Bebelplatz: Where Enlightenment ideals meet a haunting past, marked by the poignant Empty Library memorial.

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Bebelplatz, located on Unter den Linden in Berlin, is a historically significant square that embodies both the city's enlightened past and its dark Nazi history. Originally conceived as a cultural center by Frederick the Great in the 18th century, it later became the site of the infamous Nazi book burning in 1933. Today, it stands as a reminder of Berlin's complex and layered past.

A brief summary to Bebelplatz

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit the Empty Library memorial to reflect on the significance of the Nazi book burning and its impact on freedom of expression.
  • Take a stroll around the square to admire the architecture of the surrounding buildings, including the State Opera, St. Hedwig's Cathedral, and the Old Library.
  • Attend a performance at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, one of Germany's most prestigious opera houses.
  • Check out the Festival of Lights or the Staatsoper für alle event for a unique cultural experience in a historical setting.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Bebelplatz is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from many major landmarks in Berlin's Mitte district. From the Brandenburg Gate, walk east along Unter den Linden for about 15 minutes. You'll pass the Neue Wache and the Zeughaus before reaching Bebelplatz on your left. The square is located between the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and the Alte Bibliothek.

  • Public Transport

    Bebelplatz is well-served by public transport. Take the U5 subway line to the 'Unter den Linden' or 'Museumsinsel' station, both are within a short walking distance of the square. Several bus lines also stop near Bebelplatz, including the 100, 147, and 300. A single ticket for zones AB costs €3.80.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Berlin. A taxi ride from Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to Bebelplatz typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare for this short trip is between €11 and €13. Keep in mind that the base fare for a taxi in Berlin is €4.30, with a per-kilometer rate of €2.10 to €2.80.

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Discover more about Bebelplatz

Bebelplatz, situated on the grand Unter den Linden boulevard in Berlin's Mitte district, is a square with a rich and often somber history. In the 18th century, King Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great, envisioned the square as the centerpiece of the Forum Fridericianum, a grand project aimed at establishing a cultural and intellectual hub in Berlin. The square was laid out between 1741 and 1743 after the city's fortifications were removed. The buildings surrounding Bebelplatz reflect Frederick's vision of a cultural center. Notable structures include the Staatsoper Unter den Linden (Berlin State Opera), St. Hedwig's Cathedral, the Alte Bibliothek (Old Library), and the Altes Palais (Old Palace). These buildings showcase a neoclassical style with Corinthian columns and triangle-shaped pediments. However, Bebelplatz is most known for the Nazi book burning that took place on May 10, 1933. On that day, Nazi students and officials gathered in the square and set fire to over 20,000 books by Jewish, communist, and other authors deemed "un-German". This act of censorship and repression marked a turning point in the Nazi's campaign to control public opinion. Today, Bebelplatz serves as a reminder of this dark chapter in history. The Empty Library, a memorial designed by Israeli artist Micha Ullman, commemorates the book burning. This underground memorial features empty white bookshelves that can hold approximately 20,000 books, symbolizing the books that were burned. A plaque near the memorial features a quote by Heinrich Heine: "That was but a prelude; where they burn books, they will ultimately burn people as well". Bebelplatz also hosts cultural events, including the Festival of Lights and the open-air event Staatsoper für alle. The square was originally called Opernplatz but was renamed Bebelplatz in 1947 in honor of August Bebel, a prominent socialist politician.

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