Lovingly called the "Hollow Tooth" by Berliners, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, heavily damaged during World War II, is a major attraction in the heart of Kurfürstendamm.

Only the ruined tower remains, which has been restored several times and stands as a memorial against war and destruction. The church's vestibule serves as a remembrance hall, featuring mosaics, sculptures, and information panels. Highlights include the originally damaged crucifix and the Cross of Nails, crafted from nails of the destroyed Coventry Cathedral in England.

The interior of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is stunning, and it’s a must-see during your visit to Berlin. The modern extension offers complete silence, shutting out the noise of everyday life.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Location & Sights nearby

The broken tower and the adjacent postmodern bell tower dominate the busy intersection of Kurfürstendamm in Charlottenburg. Kurfürstendamm itself is perfect for strolling and shopping, and if you're interested in animals, Berlin Zoo is just around the corner. On the other side, you'll find the Europa-Center shopping mall, with the famous KaDeWe department store just a short-distance away.

A Short History of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

The church was constructed between 1891 and 1895, commissioned by Kaiser Wilhelm II to honor his grandfather Wilhelm I. It became a religious memorial and featured numerous towers, with its 113-meter spire being the tallest in the city. The interior was lavishly decorated with unique murals and mosaics.

During World War II, the church was almost entirely destroyed in November 1943.

In a reconstruction competition won by architect Egon Eiermann, there was an initial plan to demolish the remaining structure completely. This proposal sparked heated debates, resulting in a compromise.

The 68-meter-high tower core was preserved as a war memorial and complemented by a four-part architectural ensemble: the hexagonal bell tower, the octagonal nave, the square chapel, and the foyer. Construction lasted four years, and the church was inaugurated on December 17, 1961. Berliners quickly coined a new nickname: "Lipstick and Powder Box."

Lately, extensive renovations have been carried out on the church, ensuring no rainwater can penetrate the old walls anymore.

Address, opening hours...

Address: Breitscheidplatz, 10789 Berlin
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Visits are not possible during services, devotions, or concerts.)

Access:

• U-Bahn: Kurfürstendamm, Zoologischer Garten
• Buses: M19, M29, M46, X9, X10, X34, 100, 109, 110, 145, 200, 204, 245

Memorial Hall Opening Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
• Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Eve

Worship service:

• Sundays: 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Evening Music Performances:

• Saturdays: 6:00 PM (Bach cantata services, organ vespers, choir vespers, or concerts)

Devotions:

• Monday to Friday: 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 6:00 PM
  (Visits are not possible during services, devotions, or concerts.)

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