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Fashion metropolis city tour in Berlin
Berlin
Explore Berlin's fashion history, meet pioneers, and uncover the tragic Aryanization of the industry. Join us to remember and honor a lost legacy.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Denkzeichen Modezentrum Hausvogteiplatz - The three large mirrors evoke memories of Berlin’s fashion history. As you ascend from the subway to Hausvogteiplatz, you’ll find tributes to numerous predominantly Jewish entrepreneurs who made their mark here.
- Hausvogteiplatz - This area was once the heart of Berlin’s fashion industry.
- Haus zur Berolina - The Haus zur Berolina was once a hub for the textile trade. It stands as one of the few remaining buildings that commemorate the success of Berlin’s fashion scene.
- Markgrafenstraße - The Hardy Bankhouse was once located here. Billy Joel, known for hits like Leningrad, My Life, and Piano Man, rose to fame in the 1970s. Discover how the former bank played a role in the expropriation of Billy Joel’s grandfather.
- Gendarmenmarkt - Often considered the most beautiful square in Berlin, the Gendarmenmarkt was significantly influenced by Huguenot immigrants who brought various trades and contributed to the development of fashion.
- Jägerstraße - The company Küchler & Pinkus was once based here. This area was home not only to fashion companies but also to fashion illustrators and intermediaries like Kurt Ehrenfreund, whose story is preserved and shared here.
- Mendelssohn-Remise - The Mendelssohn coach house and its exhibition narrate the story of the Mendelssohn family. The Mendelssohn Bank, one of over 400 private Jewish banks in Germany in 1935, once stood here. Less than four years later, none remained. This example provides insight into the brutal process of Aryanization.
- Oberwallstraße - The Mannheimer brothers were pioneers in Berlin’s fashion industry, and their former clothing store still stands.
- Oberwallstraße - At the corner of Jägerstrasse, locals referred to this area as the “Indifferent Corner.” The Niquet was also located here. Learn how seasoned businesspeople exchanged ideas and conducted business in the past.
- Werderscher Markt - The oldest department store in Berlin, the Gerson department store, was once located nearby. Gerson was a pioneer in Berlin’s fashion industry, and living mannequins flown in from Paris made a significant impact.
- Brüderstraße - Away from the bustling tourist area around the Berlin City Palace, you’ll find the preserved Hertzog department store, one of Berlin’s premier shopping destinations.
- Mühlendamm - The Köllnischer Fischmarkt was once situated at the corner of Mühlendamm and Fischerinsel, where Leineweber opened a branch in the 19th century. The later owner, Tengelmann, was involved in Aryanization. Many leading fashion companies have yet to fully address their history since 1933, leaving a dark stain on their legacy.
- Museum Knoblauchhaus - The Knoblauch family has a long tradition and was active in the textile trade.
- Nicholas Quarter - The Israel department store once stood between today’s Spandauer Strasse and Mühlendamm. The owner, Israel, was a descendant of protected Jews who came to Berlin. The department store was a tragic site of the Jewish boycott on April 1, 1933.
What's Included
- 2-hour city tour with a certified guide
What's Not Included
- food and drinks
Additional Information
Today, nothing on Berlin’s Hausvogteiplatz reminds us of the successful Berlin clothing store. In the 1920s, Berlin was among the top 5 in international fashion. Berlin was mentioned in a whisper alongside Paris, Milan or New York.
Today you will get a little insight into the history of Berlin clothing and get to know the pioneers of clothing. Living mannequins, fashion shows, fashion magazines were the trend of his time. You will also encounter the tragic and brutal Aryanization of an entire industry on this tour.
Forgetting is the worst thing we can do to our ancestors. By taking part in this tour, we remember a valuable industry that was destroyed by the Nazi dictatorship. Berlin never recovered from that.
Location
U Hausvogteiplatz
Please use the Hausvogteiplatz/Oberwallstraße exit. There are three large mirrors right at the entrance to the subway. Your city guide will personally welcome you here.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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