Construction of Grand Staircase at Berlin's Humboldt Forum Set to Commence Soon

The long-awaited construction of a grand staircase at the Humboldt Forum in Berlin's historic center is scheduled to begin in late summer. This announcement was made by the city's Senator for Urban Development, who confirmed that significant progress has been made towards the realization of the project.

The staircase, which will measure 38 meters in width, is designed to connect the Schlossplatz with the Spreekanal, enhancing public access to the waterfront in the heart of the city. The project is being managed by the DSK Deutsche Stadt- und Grundstücksentwicklungsgesellschaft, which has completed the necessary execution planning and is currently overseeing the procurement of construction services.

According to estimates from the construction administration, the project will require an investment of approximately seven million euros and is expected to take two years to complete. The staircase is projected to be finished by July 2027.

Years of discussions have surrounded this project, with the initial decision to construct the staircase being made by the Senate back in December 2019. However, progress stalled for a considerable period due to disagreements between the Senate and the Mitte district regarding financial responsibilities and project governance. Recently, the Financial Senator announced that these disputes have been resolved and assured the district that funding for maintenance costs will be provided.

This development is seen as a significant step towards revitalizing the area and allowing residents and visitors alike to enjoy the banks of the Spree River more directly. The project not only aims to provide a scenic route but also to foster a greater connection between the urban landscape and the natural features of the river.

While there were initial suggestions to also incorporate a river bath on the southwest bank of the canal, this aspect is not included in the current plans. The focus remains on the staircase, which is expected to become a prominent architectural feature of the Humboldt Forum.