Berlin's Humboldt Forum unveils €6.89M riverside staircase by 2027
A grand outdoor staircase is now under construction at Berlin's Humboldt Forum. The project, costing €6.89 million, will create a wide, terraced space leading down to the Spree Canal. Officials aim to finish the work by mid-2027.
The staircase will stretch 38 metres across, descending toward the water's edge on Spree Island. Its design includes seating steps and newly planted trees, offering a quiet spot for visitors to relax by the canal. Funding comes from two sources: €3.78 million from the federal government and €3.11 million from the Senate Department.
The area's history stretches back centuries. In the 15th century, the land west of Berlin was a royal hunting ground, later becoming the site of Berlin Castle in 1443. By the 19th century, industrialisation turned the Spree into a key transport route for coal and goods. More recently, projects like Fluss Bad Berlin have transformed neglected sections of the canal into public spaces for walking, swimming, and leisure.
This new staircase continues that trend, reviving a 120-year-old tradition of river bathing while improving accessibility to the waterfront.
Once completed, the staircase will provide a permanent public space for contemplation and recreation. Its wide design and seating areas are intended to draw visitors to the Spree's edge. The project aligns with broader efforts to make Berlin's waterways more inviting and usable for residents and tourists alike.
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