Auguststrasse, just a blocks away from Miniloft, has crafted a rather salubrious reputation amongst other Berlin streets. With galleries, countless cafés and restaurants, it’s another typically Mitte street filled with things to do. And taking a trip round the renovated Jüdische Mädchenschule allows for a microcosm of Mitte, under one roof.
What was once Berlin’s first Jewish girls’ school in 1835 has seen the full brunt of the city’s turbulent past. As the National Socialists came to power, the population of the school’s 14 classrooms was more than halved – and dwindled further as the war years progressed. Following the division of Germany, the school was reopened as the Bertolt Brecht Secondary School, but again, succumbed to dwindling class numbers after reunification. It lay unused until 2006 and following a return to the Jewish community in 2009, the Jüdische Mädenschule was finally renovated and revitalised as a cultural space in 2012.
The building itself warrants a look for Alexander Beer’s New Objectivity style, lovingly restored by the owners - but the Jüdische Mädchenschule is more than just a shell. The various components housed inside offer an exploration of gastronomy, art and history – and in one space. Among the “residents” of the building, you’ll find a museum (the second largest museum dedicated to The Kennedys), three art galleries (Michael Fuchs , CWC Gallery and Eigen + Art Lab), a locally renowned restaurant and bar (Pauly Saal) and a deli offering the best pastrami in the city (Mogg & Melzer). As a cultural destination, the Jüdische Mädenschule offers an incredible glimpse of Berlin past, present and future.
Ehemalige Jüdische Mädchenschule
Auguststraße 11-13
10117 Berlin
Germany
e:
w: www.maedchenschule.org