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A long prehistory
The first plans for a fourth museum on Museum Island date back to the early 1870s. In 1883, the Prussian Ministry of Culture organised a "competition for the development of Museum Island". 52 competition entries were submitted, but the result was disappointing and had no consequences.
In 1889, at the personal request of Emperor Wilhelm II, the court architect Ernst Ihne (1848-1917, from 1906: von Ihne) was finally commissioned to plan a "Renaissance Museum" on the tip of the island. However, seven more years were to pass before, in the winter of 1895/96, the intercession of the Empress finally paved the way for the realisation of the museum.
Ihne’s project sketch from September 1896 clearly shows how far the plans at this time were still from the version that was later realised.
A long prehistory
The first plans for a fourth museum on Museum Island date back to the early 1870s. In 1883, the Prussian Ministry of Culture organised a "competition for the development of Museum Island". 52 competition entries were submitted, but the result was disappointing and had no consequences.
In 1889, at the personal request of Emperor Wilhelm II, the court architect Ernst Ihne (1848-1917, from 1906: von Ihne) was finally commissioned to plan a "Renaissance Museum" on the tip of the island. However, seven more years were to pass before, in the winter of 1895/96, the intercession of the Empress finally paved the way for the realisation of the museum.
Ihne’s project sketch from September 1896 clearly shows how far the plans at this time were still from the version that was later realised.
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1903 The large dome is still missing
In autumn 1897, the excavation of the building pit begins. As is to be expected on the Spree island, the foundations prove to be very difficult. The site manager Max Hasak (1856-1934) will later report: "The foundation (...) was laid entirely in the water on concrete between sheet piling. However, as half of the ground towards the Spree was nothing but mud, piles up to 20 metres long were driven between the sheet piling ...".
Disputes between the pragmatic Max Hasak and the elitist court architect Ihne are to follow. This contributes to the considerable delay in construction. By the end of 1901, however, the exterior of the museum, the shell of the interior and the smaller dome facing the city railway are completed. However, the design of the large outer dome above the entrance hall is still completely unclear.
The photo, probably taken in 1903, shows the museum building with the outer dome still missing.
1903 The large dome is still missing
In autumn 1897, the excavation of the building pit begins. As is to be expected on the Spree island, the foundations prove to be very difficult. The site manager Max Hasak (1856-1934) will later report: "The foundation (...) was laid entirely in the water on concrete between sheet piling. However, as half of the ground towards the Spree was nothing but mud, piles up to 20 metres long were driven between the sheet piling ...".
Disputes between the pragmatic Max Hasak and the elitist court architect Ihne are to follow. This contributes to the considerable delay in construction. By the end of 1901, however, the exterior of the museum, the shell of the interior and the smaller dome facing the city railway are completed. However, the design of the large outer dome above the entrance hall is still completely unclear.
The photo, probably taken in 1903, shows the museum building with the outer dome still missing.
Initially, flat domes were planned
After the funding was approved, Ihne had developed two initial designs for the dome above the large entrance hall in September and December 1896; they still differed fundamentally from the version realised in 1903/04.
The illustration shows the second of these designs from December 1896. The central area, over which the large dome will later rise, is still covered by a flat inner dome with a large skylight opening. Immediately above this is an equally flat roof construction characterised by steel trusses. The skylight is to be covered by a "ridge and furrow" structure with steeply inclined glass surfaces.
Initially, flat domes were planned
After the funding was approved, Ihne had developed two initial designs for the dome above the large entrance hall in September and December 1896; they still differed fundamentally from the version realised in 1903/04.
The illustration shows the second of these designs from December 1896. The central area, over which the large dome will later rise, is still covered by a flat inner dome with a large skylight opening. Immediately above this is an equally flat roof construction characterised by steel trusses. The skylight is to be covered by a "ridge and furrow" structure with steeply inclined glass surfaces.
Calculation using graphical analysis
The structural calculation of the planned flat domes was carried out using the methods of graphical analysis, which were highly developed and widely used towards the end of the 19th century.
A large-format sheet prepared in December 1896 shows the structural analyses for the roofs over the entrance hall and over the "basilica" further back. The author, civil engineer Heinrich Barth, used graphical methods not only for the design of the various trusses, but also for the verification of the masonry vaults.
Calculation using graphical analysis
The structural calculation of the planned flat domes was carried out using the methods of graphical analysis, which were highly developed and widely used towards the end of the 19th century.
A large-format sheet prepared in December 1896 shows the structural analyses for the roofs over the entrance hall and over the "basilica" further back. The author, civil engineer Heinrich Barth, used graphical methods not only for the design of the various trusses, but also for the verification of the masonry vaults.
The construction of the large dome matures at the end of 1903
Strangely enough, almost no documents have survived on the structural planning and construction of the large outer dome that was finally realised. The sophisticated design concept of this hidden structure is explained in more detail in the player using a virtual model.
The only surviving steel construction drawing just describes the substructure consisting of cantilever beams and a circumferential truss ring. It has to transfer the loads distributed over the four corner pillars in the 28 metre wide base circle of the dome. Two aspects of the sheet deserve special attention. Firstly, it confirms the two prominent professors Heinrich Müller-Breslau and Hermann Boost as control engineers. Secondly, the annoation of Müller-Breslau, which is only dated 1 February 1904, shows that even at this time the assembly of the steel structure had probably not yet begun.
The structural design for this part is no longer the responsibility of Heinrich Barth. Instead of him the Müller-Breslau pupil Ludwig Mann is now in charge of the difficult structural design.
The construction of the large dome matures at the end of 1903
Strangely enough, almost no documents have survived on the structural planning and construction of the large outer dome that was finally realised. The sophisticated design concept of this hidden structure is explained in more detail in the player using a virtual model.
The only surviving steel construction drawing just describes the substructure consisting of cantilever beams and a circumferential truss ring. It has to transfer the loads distributed over the four corner pillars in the 28 metre wide base circle of the dome. Two aspects of the sheet deserve special attention. Firstly, it confirms the two prominent professors Heinrich Müller-Breslau and Hermann Boost as control engineers. Secondly, the annoation of Müller-Breslau, which is only dated 1 February 1904, shows that even at this time the assembly of the steel structure had probably not yet begun.
The structural design for this part is no longer the responsibility of Heinrich Barth. Instead of him the Müller-Breslau pupil Ludwig Mann is now in charge of the difficult structural design.
1904: Construction of the outer dome and opening
By spring 1904, the outer dome over the entrance area, which has grown to a height of around 40 metres, can finally be erected. Apparently, the realisation is no longer in the hands of "Hein, Lehmann & Co. AG", which has previously been commissioned with the steel construction. According to an indirect reference, the structure of the dome is being built by the "Eisenhoch- und Brückenbau-Anstalt E. Belter und Schneevogel" based in Berlin-Dalldorf (today: Wittenau). The final appearance of the dome in the autocratic Wilhelminian neo-baroque style is exemplary of Ernst Ihne's understanding of architecture as one of its distinctive representatives.
Emperor Wilhelm II opens the new building in autumn 1904. The 18th October, the birthday of his predecessor, the "99-day emperor" Friedrich III, has been chosen deliberately: The building is named the "Kaiser Friedrich Museum" in his honour. After the opening, contemporary reviews range from "the most beautiful museum in the world" to a "monument of complete impotence with countless absurdities".
1904: Construction of the outer dome and opening
By spring 1904, the outer dome over the entrance area, which has grown to a height of around 40 metres, can finally be erected. Apparently, the realisation is no longer in the hands of "Hein, Lehmann & Co. AG", which has previously been commissioned with the steel construction. According to an indirect reference, the structure of the dome is being built by the "Eisenhoch- und Brückenbau-Anstalt E. Belter und Schneevogel" based in Berlin-Dalldorf (today: Wittenau). The final appearance of the dome in the autocratic Wilhelminian neo-baroque style is exemplary of Ernst Ihne's understanding of architecture as one of its distinctive representatives.
Emperor Wilhelm II opens the new building in autumn 1904. The 18th October, the birthday of his predecessor, the "99-day emperor" Friedrich III, has been chosen deliberately: The building is named the "Kaiser Friedrich Museum" in his honour. After the opening, contemporary reviews range from "the most beautiful museum in the world" to a "monument of complete impotence with countless absurdities".
War damage and reconstruction
From 1943 onwards, the Allied air raids cause increasing destruction also to the Kaiser Friedrich Museum. Although the damage at the end of the war is less extensive than to the other buildings on Museum Island, the largely destroyed roofs allow rain and snow to penetrate the building unhindered in the following years, with serious consequences.
In 1951, the construction of an emergency roof covering the entire building marks the start of reconstruction. In 1952, the steel outer dome is re-roofed, albeit without the dormers that Ihne had deliberately placed at the time, and now only with slate instead of the original copper roofing.
The first areas of the museum are gradually reopened to the public. On 1 March 1956, the building is given the new name "Bode Museum" in memory of Wilhelm von Bode, the conceptual father of the museum project. The official opening takes place in 1960. However, the gradual refurbishment is not completed until the 1250th anniversary of the city in 1987.
War damage and reconstruction
From 1943 onwards, the Allied air raids cause increasing destruction also to the Kaiser Friedrich Museum. Although the damage at the end of the war is less extensive than to the other buildings on Museum Island, the largely destroyed roofs allow rain and snow to penetrate the building unhindered in the following years, with serious consequences.
In 1951, the construction of an emergency roof covering the entire building marks the start of reconstruction. In 1952, the steel outer dome is re-roofed, albeit without the dormers that Ihne had deliberately placed at the time, and now only with slate instead of the original copper roofing.
The first areas of the museum are gradually reopened to the public. On 1 March 1956, the building is given the new name "Bode Museum" in memory of Wilhelm von Bode, the conceptual father of the museum project. The official opening takes place in 1960. However, the gradual refurbishment is not completed until the 1250th anniversary of the city in 1987.
1999-2005: General refurbishment as part of the Museum Island master plan
At the beginning of the 1990s, comprehensive investigations into the condition of the building reveal that a general refurbishment would be unavoidable in order to secure and develop the existing building. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to integrate the building into the overall concept for the development of the Museum Island proposed in the "Museum Island Master Plan". Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 is both an opportunity and a challenge.
Construction work begins in 1999. True to the historical model, the large outer dome is not only given back its copper covering, but also the dormers decorated with crowns. The structural analysis of the completely preserved steel structure by the Ingenieurgruppe Bauen (IGB) shows that no special reinforcements are required, only selective repairs and new corrosion protection.
In 2005, the renovated building is handed over to the museum administration. In October 2006, the Bode Museum is ceremoniously reopened.
1999-2005: General refurbishment as part of the Museum Island master plan
At the beginning of the 1990s, comprehensive investigations into the condition of the building reveal that a general refurbishment would be unavoidable in order to secure and develop the existing building. At the same time, it offers the opportunity to integrate the building into the overall concept for the development of the Museum Island proposed in the "Museum Island Master Plan". Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 is both an opportunity and a challenge.
Construction work begins in 1999. True to the historical model, the large outer dome is not only given back its copper covering, but also the dormers decorated with crowns. The structural analysis of the completely preserved steel structure by the Ingenieurgruppe Bauen (IGB) shows that no special reinforcements are required, only selective repairs and new corrosion protection.
In 2005, the renovated building is handed over to the museum administration. In October 2006, the Bode Museum is ceremoniously reopened.
Structural design of the outer dome
The design and calculation of the complex steel structure of the dome, which resembles a large, high Schwedler dome but is understood and modeled as a new type of spatial framework, is associated with three well-known figures in contemporary civil engineering.
The still young Ludwig Mann (1871-1959) is responsible for the design and statics. In 1909, he has received his doctorate in Berlin with a pioneering dissertation on the "Static calculation of rigid quadrilateral nets" and is appointed to the Technische Hochschule Breslau the following year. The review of the calculations is the responsibility of none other than Heinrich Müller-Breslau (1851-1925); the professor of "Statics for building structures and bridge construction" at the TH Berlin is regarded worldwide as the founder of the leading "Berlin School of Structural Analysis" at the time. He is assisted by his former student Hermann Boost (1864-1941), now himself a professor of structural engineering at the TH Berlin, who is also responsible for supervising the construction of the outer dome.
Structural design of the outer dome
The design and calculation of the complex steel structure of the dome, which resembles a large, high Schwedler dome but is understood and modeled as a new type of spatial framework, is associated with three well-known figures in contemporary civil engineering.
The still young Ludwig Mann (1871-1959) is responsible for the design and statics. In 1909, he has received his doctorate in Berlin with a pioneering dissertation on the "Static calculation of rigid quadrilateral nets" and is appointed to the Technische Hochschule Breslau the following year. The review of the calculations is the responsibility of none other than Heinrich Müller-Breslau (1851-1925); the professor of "Statics for building structures and bridge construction" at the TH Berlin is regarded worldwide as the founder of the leading "Berlin School of Structural Analysis" at the time. He is assisted by his former student Hermann Boost (1864-1941), now himself a professor of structural engineering at the TH Berlin, who is also responsible for supervising the construction of the outer dome.
Key data
Location: Am Kupfergraben, 10117 Berlin-Mitte
Construction periods:
- 1897-1904, construction of the outer dome 1903/04
- 1951-1987 successive reconstruction
- 1998-2006 general restoration
Overall Planning: Ernst von Ihne
Structural design of the outer dome:
- Ludwig Mann (construction and statics)
- Heinrich Müller-Breslau and Hermann Boost (supervision engineers)
Site management of the outer dome: Max Hasak
Execution of the outer dome: Belter & Schneevogel, Berlin (presumably)
Key data
Location: Am Kupfergraben, 10117 Berlin-Mitte
Construction periods:
- 1897-1904, construction of the outer dome 1903/04
- 1951-1987 successive reconstruction
- 1998-2006 general restoration
Overall Planning: Ernst von Ihne
Structural design of the outer dome:
- Ludwig Mann (construction and statics)
- Heinrich Müller-Breslau and Hermann Boost (supervision engineers)
Site management of the outer dome: Max Hasak
Execution of the outer dome: Belter & Schneevogel, Berlin (presumably)
