Welcome to the WZB

Structure

Round tour

a) Historical Building

b) Semicircular Building

(cf. Amphitheater)

c) Library Tower

(cf. Campanile)

d) The Long Building (cf. Stoa)

e) Basilica

(cf. Christian Cross)

The WZB building was designed by the British architect James Stirling. The outline of the complex borrows from classical architectural styles.

Historical Building

Constructed in 1894 by August Busse (1839 – 1896),

the former building of the “Reichsversicherungsamt“ (Reich Insurance Office) houses the president’s office, scientific staff rooms and, last but not least,

some of the WZB administration.

Semicircular Building (The Amphitheater)

Next is the semicircular building part B (“Amphitheatre“). It contains parts of the administration as well as the Research Units “Civil Society, Citizenship

and Political Mobilization in Europe” and “Democracy: Structures, Performance, Challenges”.

Library Tower (Campanile)

What follows is our sevenstoreyed Library Tower (“Campanile”).

Stoa (The Long Building)

Part D (“Stoa“) is the northernmost part of the building complex. It provides a beautiful view over “Mathäi Church“ and “Kulturforum“. Here, you can find the Research Units “Markets and Politics“ as well as “Education, Work, and Life

Chances“.

Basilica (The Christian Cross)

Before getting back to the entrance, visitors pass by the cruciform

building part E (“Basilica“).