Stunning Action at Kaisersaal's Premises

The Kaiser Hall, a symbol of Berlin's rich history, was first unveiled in December 1908 on Bellevuestraße as part of the Hotel Esplanade. This grand hall, with its architectural design and historical significance, was a testament to the opulence of the era.

However, the war years brought massive destruction, and the Hotel Esplanade was no exception. Miraculously, the Kaisersaal, the breakfast room, and the staircase survived the devastation.

Fast forward to the 1990s, and the Kaiser Hall found itself at the centre of one of the most complex technical challenges for structural engineers in Berlin. In 1996, the Kaisersaal was meticulously separated from its foundation, raised by 2.40 meters, and transported using air cushions to its current position in the Sony Center. The relocation process, which took place at a speed of around five meters per minute, was a feat of engineering prowess.

The cost of this intricate operation was approximately 75 million marks. After the relocation, a multi-year restoration process followed to restore the original design of the hall. During this time, numerous layers of paint and varnish were removed, revealing the hall's original cream-coloured paintwork. The gilded railings and marble surfaces in the restrooms were also repaired.

The decision to incorporate the Kaiser Hall into the new buildings was based on its historical significance as one of the last visible fragments of a once-central Berlin hotel. Today, the Kaiser Hall stands as a visible remnant of the Hotel Esplanade, a significant hotel in Berlin at the beginning of the 20th century.

Despite being behind large glass panes, the Kaiser Hall is visible from Bellevuestraße, giving it the appearance of an exhibit displayed in the urban space. Since its reopening in 2000, the Kaiser Hall has served as an event venue in today's Berlin.

The Hotel Esplanade, during the 1920s, became a magnet for international visitors, hosting performances and visits by famous artists like Greta Garbo and Charlie Chaplin. Today, the Kaiser Hall continues to echo the glamour and grandeur of that era, standing as a testament to Berlin's rich history and resilience.

The responsible institution for the renovation and integration of the Kaisersaal of the Hotel Esplanade into the Sony Center in the 1990s was the development project of the Sony Center itself, led by the architect Helmut Jahn and the real estate developer from the Sony Corporation. The Kaisersaal was preserved and integrated within this redevelopment, ensuring its survival for future generations to appreciate.