The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche) is one of West Berlin's most recognizable landmarks, standing at the heart of Breitscheidplatz. Consecrated in 1895 in a Neo-Romanesque style, its spire was shattered in an air raid in November 1943; rather than clearing the ruin, Berliners chose to preserve it as an anti-war memorial. Locals nickname the broken old tower 'der hohle Zahn' (the hollow tooth), and between 1961 and 1963 architect Egon Eiermann built a modern octagonal church clad in deep-blue stained glass right beside it. In 2026 it remains a free-to-enter, active place of worship and a symbol of reconciliation and peace, offering a striking contrast between wartime ruin and modernist architecture.
The ruined old tower ('hollow tooth') — left as it was after the 1943 bombing, a powerful anti-war memorial and a landmark of western Berlin
The Memorial Hall (Gedenkhalle) inside the old tower — glittering gold ceiling mosaics and surviving ornament from the original church
The Cross of Nails from Coventry Cathedral — a symbol of reconciliation between cities scarred by wartime bombing
Eiermann's new octagonal church — glowing blue interior formed by more than 20,000 stained-glass inlays by Gabriel Loire, inspired by Chartres
The 'Golden Crack' memorial on the square in front — commemorating victims of the 2016 Christmas market attack
Good to know
SafetyBreitscheidplatz and the nearby Kurfürstendamm shopping street draw crowds and pickpockets. Wear bags in front and keep your wallet, passport and phone zipped and out of sight.
CautionWatch for clipboard 'petition' signers, fake charity or survey collectors, and bracelet or rose sellers around the square. Signing or accepting anything leads to a demand for money — keep walking and don't engage.
MannersThe ruined Memorial Hall is a solemn war memorial and the new building is a working church. Stay quiet, and avoid loud talking or photography during services, prayers and concerts.
RulesEntry is free, but a donation of around 5 euros is suggested to support upkeep. Opening times can shift for rehearsals and events, and from 11 May 2026 the Memorial Hall is due to close on Mondays — check the official site (gedaechtniskirche-berlin.de) before you go.
SeasonIn winter (November–December) the square hosts a Christmas market that is atmospheric but very crowded, with more pickpocketing. The interiors stay cool year-round, so bring a layer; on summer afternoons a morning visit avoids queues.
SafetyThe steps and square in front hold memorials to the 2016 terror attack. Be respectful when photographing, and take care not to step on flowers or candles left in the commemorative space.
Practical info
The church is a 3–5 minute walk from Kurfürstendamm station (U-Bahn U1/U2/U3/U9) or Zoologischer Garten station (a U-Bahn, S-Bahn and regional-rail hub). The new church is open daily 10:00–18:00 and the old-tower Memorial Hall Monday–Saturday 10:00–18:00 (Sunday 12:00–18:00, last entry 17:45), all free of charge. Hours, fees and closure days can change, so confirm the latest details on the official website before visiting.
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