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Haus des Lehrers: A Mosaic of GDR History

Explore Berlin's Haus des Lehrers: A historical landmark featuring the iconic 'Unser Leben' mural, showcasing life in the former GDR.

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The Haus des Lehrers ('House of the Teacher') is a landmark building near Alexanderplatz in Berlin, built in the 1960s during the German Democratic Republic (GDR) era. Its most striking feature is the vibrant 'Unser Leben' ('Our Life') mural that wraps around the building, depicting scenes of life in the GDR.

A brief summary to Haus des Lehrers

  • Monday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Take time to examine the 'Unser Leben' mural closely. Its intricate details offer insights into the values and everyday life in the former GDR.
  • Visit the Haus des Lehrers as part of a walking tour of Alexanderplatz and the Karl-Marx-Allee to fully appreciate the area's socialist-era architecture.
  • Check out the Berlin Congress Center (BCC) next door, which often hosts public events and conferences.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Haus des Lehrers is easily accessible via Berlin's extensive public transportation network. From Alexanderplatz station, it's a short walk. Alexanderplatz is served by U-Bahn lines U2, U5, and U8, as well as S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, and S9. Tram lines and buses also stop at Alexanderplatz. A single fare for zones A and B is €3.80.

  • Walking

    From Alexanderplatz, the Haus des Lehrers is a short walk. Head east from the Alexanderplatz U-Bahn and S-Bahn station, following the signs for Alexanderstraße. The Haus des Lehrers will be on your right, with its distinctive mural clearly visible.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Berlin. A short taxi ride from a central location like Brandenburg Gate to the Haus des Lehrers will cost approximately €10. Be sure to specify 'Haus des Lehrers, Alexanderstraße' as your destination.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available in the area around Alexanderplatz, though it can be limited and expensive. Several parking garages are located nearby, including Q-Park Am Alexanderplatz on Alexanderstraße 2. Hourly rates at these garages typically start around €3, with a daily maximum of €25. Be aware of the maximum entrance height of 1.95 meters.

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Discover more about Haus des Lehrers

The Haus des Lehrers, located on Alexanderstraße in Berlin's Mitte district, stands as a prominent example of socialist modernist architecture. Constructed between 1962 and 1964, the building served as a cultural and educational center for teachers in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Designed by Hermann Henselmann, the building aimed to represent the importance of education in socialist society. The building's most distinctive feature is the 'Unser Leben' mural by Walter Womacka. This massive work of art, composed of approximately 800,000 mosaic stones, wraps around the building’s exterior between the second and fifth floors. The mural depicts various aspects of life in the GDR, showcasing different professions and social activities. Womacka drew inspiration from Mexican mural art, creating a visually striking representation of socialist ideals. Today, the Haus des Lehrers is recognized as a significant historical and architectural landmark. While it now houses offices and businesses, its exterior remains largely unchanged, offering a glimpse into East Berlin's past. The building is part of the Grand Tour of Modernism, connecting architecture enthusiasts to important sites throughout Germany. Adjacent to the Haus des Lehrers is the Berliner Congress Center (BCC), which hosts a variety of national and international events.

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