Berlin City Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
The Berlin City Hall is commonly referred to as Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall) due to its distinctive red brick facade and tower.
Designed by Hermann Friedrich Waesemann and first completed in 1869, Rotes Rathaus is a striking example of Italian Renassance architecture and a prominent landmark.
Rotes Rathaus is located in Mitte near Alexanderplatz and the Fernseturn Tower. It is home to Berlin's city government and mayor's office.
A number of magnificent rooms inside are well worth taking the time to visit.
The windows of he Armorial Hall represent the coat of arms for each of Berlin's boroughs and districts. It is where state visitors are welcomed.
Major official events, receptions and ceremonies are held in the great Ceremonial Hall.
One of the most beautiful halls is the Column Hall. It features a 9 metre high vaulted ceiling supported by pillars and ribs. I contains busts of many prominent figures. Formerly used as a library, it is now home to exhibitions and various other events.
The city hall was heavily damaged during World War 2, but was rebuilt shortly after. While the city was divided during the Cold War, Rotes Rathaus was in East Berlin and served as town hall for the same. In 1991, after the reunification, it once again became the seat of government for all of Berlin.
It is normally open to visitors from 9am to 6pm on weekdays, but these hours are subject to change do to official business and events. It is a good idea to phone before visiting.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoRotes Rathaus Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Address: Rathausstraße 15, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 90260
Official Website: Rotes Rathaus
Rotes Rathaus Reviews
Rated out of 5
Striking architecture and brick color. Seat of the city government of Berlin. The only thing that bothered me was a lot of garbage in this part of the city (I give the possibility that it is because of the enormous and unnecessary fireworks that the citizens set off for the New Year, and this was all photographed on January 1).
Sveto Rakovic - 2 weeks ago
amazing christmas market with a wide variety of lively stalls , great for picking up presents or delicious food, amazing large ferris wheel which gives you fabulous views over the whole market and berlin. super gorgeous and an ice rink !
marnie line - 2 weeks ago
Great architecture, you can visit it for free. Entrance is really impressive, statues ans columns. A small exibition about Warshaw was hosted in a corner. Too bad the vast space its not more used.
Mircea-Bogdan Tănăsescu - 5 months ago
When strolling downtown in the center area of Berlin you might also pass this beautiful Rathaus building.
Very nice building and a bit different.
Kim Allerslev - 3 months ago
We stumbled upon this building while walking around Alexanderplatz and the surrounding area
It’s open to the public, at least partially. Interesting from architectural point of view, but there’s not much to do inside
Franco - 8 months ago
Directions
How to get to Rotes Rathaus by U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram Line(s): S5, S7, S75, U2, U5, U8, M2, M4 ,M5, M6
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Tram Station(s): Alexanderplatz
From Alexanderplatz exit and walk to the southwest past the Fernsehturm TV Tower. The Berlin City Hall is ahead and to your left.
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