Franco Stella's $800 million reconstructed Humboldt Forum finally opens amidst controversy

2021-07-21T18:20:00-04:00

The long-awaited opening of Berlin’s Humboldt Forum took place yesterday afternoon, ending a years-long wait that saw a torrent of missives, protests, and other public backlash against the €680 million ($800 million) project hosted by the city’s Museum Island.

Franco Stella’s reconstructed royal palace stands as a "meeting place with the cultures of the world" in the city of roughly 3.8 million, maintaining within its mix of modern and Baroque styles a dual look at both the history of Germany and of its namesake. The latter being mired in controversy owing to the erstwhile Humboldt brothers’ involvement in Colonialism.

Originally set for an opening in 2019, its construction has been delayed several times because of overruns and a slate of technical issues. Faulty air conditioni...

Emperor's New Clothes: Money Lacking for Facade of Berlin's New Palace

2014-11-24T18:24:00-05:00

The plans call for nothing less than the rebirth of the Prussian-era heart of Berlin. A new palace is currently under construction on the German capital's famous Museum Island to replace the Berlin City Palace, or Stadtschloss, the erstwhile residence of Prussian kings and German emperors that was demolished by the communists soon after the end of World War II. [...] But completion of the exterior may be in doubt.

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Franco Stella's $800 million reconstructed Humboldt Forum finally opens amidst controversy

Emperor's New Clothes: Money Lacking for Facade of Berlin's New Palace