The history

1961-1964

Hermann Henselmann, renowned Bauhaus-influenced architect, creates a visionary building complex with the House of Teachers and the Congress Hall. Functionality and transparency are implemented in futuristic architecture.

1964-1990

While the House of Teachers serves as a place for training, the Congress Hall is used for international congresses and cultural events. Highlights include the "Berliner Festtage" ("Berlin Festival") and for a time the "Festival des politischen Liedes" ("Festival of Political Songs"). Between 1964 and 1968, the GDR national parliament also occassionally convenes here. The buildings become listed in the 1980s.

1990 - 2001

In 1999, the architectural ensemble is included in the list of "Best Berlin Buildings". At the same time, the building substance falls into increasing disrepair and events become less prestigious. In the late 1990s, the so-called "Generation@" discovers Alexanderplatz. Creative people from the fields of multimedia, art, and architecture become temporary users of the buildings.

2001

The company, bcc Grundstückgesellschaft, buys the buildings from the Federal State of Berlin. The lighting installation "Blinkenlights" attracts widespread popularity and interest in the building.

März 2002 - Early 2004

The building ensemble is converted for € 30 million in a way that preserves its monumental character, yet completely modernises it. The bcc becomes an event location that sets new standards whilst maintaining its architectural identity.

September 2003

The new bcc Berliner Congress Center is reopened with an international medical congress.

Early 2004

The House of Teachers is also completed and provides 6,700 m² of office space.