Redesign of Nollendorfplatz: building project at Metropol Theatre
Nestled in the heart of Berlin's Schöneberg district, Nollendorfplatz has long been recognized as a vibrant hub for the city's queer community and a lively centre of nightlife. But this historic neighbourhood, with its colourful surroundings and the iconic Metropol Theatre, is about to undergo a significant transformation.
Originally designed as a representative ornamental square, Nollendorfplatz boasts a rich history that dates back to pre-World War II times. Until then, the square was densely built up, with the Metropol Theatre, opened in 1906 as the 'New Theatre', standing proudly as an important venue for theatre, concerts, and variety shows.
In the 1920s, the Metropol gained regional significance as the stage of the Piscator Theatre, hosting political theatre productions that resonated with the times. However, Allied bombing raids during the war destroyed large parts of the historical architecture at Nollendorfplatz, leaving only a two-story functional building on the site where the new building is now being realized.
The planned project aims to give the area a modern makeover, but it is important to remember the historical character of the location. The Metropol was reopened in 2019, serving as a multifunctional event venue with its original charm, although it is only open irregularly.
In a recent development, the office building 'NO6' at Nollendorfplatz was sold in spring 2025 by the company Padovicz to the Düsseldorf-based private equity investor COLCAP. As the construction work continues, the future of this iconic neighbourhood remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Nollendorfplatz's vibrant spirit will continue to thrive, adapting to the changing times while preserving its unique identity.
