Berlin's €429M government building finally nears completion after 14 years
Berlin's government district is nearing the completion of a long-delayed extension to the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus. Construction began in 2010, but the project has faced repeated setbacks and soaring costs. Originally budgeted at €190 million, the final price tag now stands at around €429 million.
The extension was supposed to finish by late 2013. However, a leaky foundation slab and multiple design changes forced years of delays. Despite the hold-ups, parts of the building are already operational, including the 'Forum Kunst' exhibition space and the 'Marie' bistro, which seats 200 people.
The structure itself is now fully built, spanning roughly 44,000 square metres. Inside, it provides extra room for MPs, administrative staff, and cultural events. A two-storey exhibition area of about 340 square metres is also part of the new space.
Final checks and technical testing are underway. Once complete, the German Bundestag will take full control of the building later this year.
The project's cost has more than doubled since its start, climbing from €190 million to nearly €429 million. With construction now finished, the focus shifts to handing over the site and integrating it into daily parliamentary operations. The extension will expand capacity for lawmakers, staff, and public events in the heart of Berlin.
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