Willy-Brandt-Saal

I am afraid most people outside of Germany probably don't know Willy Brandt (although he did win a Nobel Peace Prize!). He was mayor of West Berlin when Kennedy made his famous speech here at the Rathaus Schöneberg and he also offered some inspiring words of his own (only his were in German).  Brandt later served as Chancellor of West Germany under the Social Democratic party. He was loved by Berliners and the German people in general for his passion and integrity.

I think it's fitting the nicest room in City Hall is named for him. I just love those big windows and all the light. You can read more about Brandt by clicking on his name above, it's worth your time.

Smaller bell

It's not quite as big as the Freedom Bell, but it's just as important! I even got to test it out on my recent visit to Rathaus Schöneberg.

Here's how the Mayor's seat looks in color.

Little sign

I really didn't plan on spending so much time on Rathaus Schöneberg, but I just can't resist! Here's a little sign showing the name and party affiliation of the Council Member who normally occupies this seat. And yes, I did pick number forty-two for a reason. For bigger signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Something old

This old telephone is up in the bell tower of Rathaus Schoeneberg. According to our guide, it still works too! I will be away for a few days, but I have some posts set up to post automatically. I hope you enjoy.

Murals for freedom

Unfortunately there was not any information available onsite about these murals.

They flank the room where the signatures collected during the Crusade for Freedom are kept. It's Monday again and if you like murals you can see more of them at Monday Mural.

Crusade for freedom

As I explained yesterday, the Freedom Bell was paid for with donations from regular Americans who wanted to show their support for West Berliners. Much of the money was raised by school children who also collected signatures from people across the country under the guise of the Crusade for Freedom. You can read more about the Freedom Bell and see pictures of it being hoisted into place here.

The millions of American signatures collected during the Crusade now reside in this specially created room. The sign above reads, "Here lie the signatures of millions of American citizens that have signed to show their support for freedom."

Freiheitsglocke

We are finally to the best part of my visit to Rathaus Schöneberg, the Freedom Bell! This bell was a gift from the American people to show West Berliners they stood behind them in the fight for freedom against the communist East. It is inscribed with  a quote from Lincoln's Gettysburg address, "That this world under God shall have a new birth of freedom."

Perhaps some of you even donated to the fund that went towards the purchase of this bell... I'd love to hear any personal stories.

Over the rooftops

We're back to the Rathaus Schöneberg. The highlight of the tour was a trip up to the top of the tower to see the Freedom Bell. The view wasn't bad either!

It's finally Friday. I hope you've had a good week and have some exciting plans for the weekend. If the weather is nice, I hope to get out and about with my camera. Don't forget to visit Skywatch for more skies.

Goldene Saal

The Golden Room was another highlight of my tour of Rathaus Schöneberg. It's named for the golden tiles that line the ceiling, giving the whole room a special glow. A few lucky couples get married here every year - it must be exciting to tie the knot in such historic surroundings. But am I the only one who thinks those designs around the wall look like moustaches?

Two large murals adorn the walls here. This one shows the Martin Gropius Bau from the West looking towards the East as it appeared during the divided days. The mural is entitled Senatsmannschaft vor dem Gropiusbau 1987 and was painted by artist Matthias Koeppel. 

On the opposite wall, you get a nice view of bathers enjoying the Havelstrand and a nice view of the Church of the Redeemer in Sacrow. It's Monday again and if you enjoy murals, take a look at Monday Mural.

Berlin Illustrated

JFK graces the cover of a special publication of the Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung following his visit in 1963. Pieces of history like this magazine cover are quite sought after these days...

Confidential to my Dad: Happy birthday!!!

Brandenburghalle

The Brandenburghalle was one of my favorite rooms during the tour of Rathaus Schöneberg. I love all those art deco details and especially the big windows that let in so much beautiful light!

It's Friday the thirteenth - don't forget to buy a lottery ticket.

The Library

Here is a look at the library inside Rathaus Schöneberg. This is where I found the old books from a few days ago. I don't think this library is open to the public, but it's certainly a nice room - especially on a sunny day like this one!

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Famous visit

Rathaus Schöneberg is a very historic place. During the divided years, it served as the seat of government for the city of West Berlin. Most people also know it as the place where JFK made his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech. Standing on the steps and looking out, it was hard for me to imagine the streets filled with people like they were on that day. But I have to admit, it's neat to revisit history in this way and I got a few chills thinking about the events that took place here. If you'd like to read or see Kennedy's speech in full click here. Otherwise you can find more signs at Signs, Signs.

Old books

I believe these books are the German equivalent of the English encyclopedia. I found them during my tour of the Rathaus Schöneberg last November. I'll be showing more of the tour in the coming days, so please check back. Until then, you can find more old stuff at Rubbish Tuesday.