Wettbewerbsentwürfe für den Alten Markt: 1960, Hans Pampel u.a. (links) | 1969, VEB Landbauprojekte Potsdam, Gerhard Herrmann u.a. (rechts)
In der Ausstellung.
Modell des Potsdamer Stadtzentrums 1951 (vermutl.), Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
Ansicht Karl-Liebknecht-Platz, Zweiter Preis beim Wettbewerb 1960, Sepp Weber u. a., 1960, Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
Ansicht zur Gestaltung des Alten Marktes vom VEB Landbauprojekt Potsdam, 1. Preis im Wettbewerb 1969, Gerhard Herrmann u. a., Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
Entwurf für das Potsdamer Stadtzentrum aus dem Wettbewerb 1960, Hans Pampel u.a., Potsdam Museum
Heated Debates: Loss or New Beginnings
The Old Market Square, the heart of Potsdam, was once an urban jewel in the Italian style, admired across Europe. Since its destruction in 1945, no other place in the city has been the subject such passionate debate. Ideas ranged from contrasting visions to controversial discussions — both before and after 1990. Yet for a long time, the square remained a vacant lot, parking area, green space, or construction site.
Step into the studios of urban planning
Experience eight decades of planning up close at interactive workshop tables: spread out architectural drawings, discover hidden details, and develop your own perspective on the Old Market.
Historical models reveal how the city was envisioned. Photographs and a timeline document how it actually evolved. Artistic works condense (oder: distil) impressions and perspectives, while filmed interviews give voice to those involved.
Abriss des Theaterrohbaus, 1991, Thoas Töpfer
Blick auf den Trümmerberg des Fortunaportals und die noch stehenden Reste des Stadtschlosses unmittelbar nach der Sprengung 1960, Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
Blick vom Brauhausberg auf das Stadtzentrum Potsdam 1970 (um), Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
Blick von der Freundschaftsinsel auf den Alten Markt, mit dem Rohbau des Hans Otto Theaters, um 1990, Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
Baustelle Alter Markt, 1992, Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
Grabungen auf dem Alten Markt, 2007, Thoas Töpfer
How much of the past does the city of tomorrow need?
Discover a kaleidoscope of urban histories and visions that have shaped the Old Market since 1945 – right up to current discussions on climate adaptation and future use.
Otto Heinrich, Rummel vor der zerstörten Nikolaikirche, 1951, Aquarell, Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
In der Ausstellung.
Egon von Kameke, Blick auf zerstörte Alte Rathaus durch Ruinen in der Straße Am Alten Markt, Brauerstr., 1945, Potsdam Museum
Glasbehang von Kronleuchtern aus dem Potsdamer Stadtschloss, Zechliner Glashütte, 1740–1800, Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
Achim Mogge, FH-Potsdam 3.2018, 2020, Eitempera auf Baumwoll-Leinwand, Potsdam Museum
In der Ausstellung.
In der Ausstellung.
In der Ausstellung.
The exhibition is curated by Dr. Wenke Nitz, research associate for the Historical Collection, Manuscripts and Prints, and Dr. Uta Kumlehn, research associate for the Collection oft he Fine Arts up to 1850 and Applied Arts.
- What the Press Says
rbb Radio3
"An impressive array of truly outstanding models is on display. [...] They alone make the exhibition well worth a visit. The presentation is further enriched by a great many photographs [...] as well as a large number of highly interesting paintings." (Nikolaus Bernau)
Listen to the radio report hereMärkische Allgemeine Zeitung
"The exhibition addresses the central controversy in Potsdam’s urban development over the past decades: How should the historic city centre be rebuilt after its destruction during the Second World War? [...]The two curators, Wenke Nitz and Uta Kumlehn, delved into archives and art collections to bring together the various answers to this question. The result is a chronology of the dispute over the heart of Potsdam, told through artworks, architectural designs, and 3D models." (Peter Degener)
Potsdamer Neueste Nachrichten
"The exhibition reveals just how ambitious those dreams once were. [...] At times, its attention to detail has the endearing quality of an improvised archive. Quotations, photographs, newspaper articles, and even the telegram sent in 1959 by fifteen engineers and architects from the VEB Hochbau-Projektierung to Wilhelm Pieck personally, protesting the demolition of the remains of the Garrison Church—all of it is pinned to drawing boards. Nothing in the exhibition pretends to be eternal. The often extravagantly grandiose visions of the future from the past, however, certainly did. (Lena Schneider)rbb TV Kultur. Das Magazin
"At the beginning of the exhibition, visitors encounter shards and remnants of glass and porcelain—silent witnesses to an inferno. [...] During the GDR era, seven design competitions were held for the redevelopment of the Alter Markt and its surroundings, yet hardly any of the proposals were ever realized.‘One reason was the chronic shortage of everything: building materials, funding, and labour. Another lay in the GDR’s system of urban planning itself, which—as part of the planned economy—required decisions to be approved at multiple levels of the hierarchy. Ultimately, even the Central Committee of the Socialist Unity Party (SED) had a say in determining what Potsdam should look like.’ (Dr. Wenke Nitz)"
(Steffen Prell)
Watch the TV report here
- Opening Hours and Fees
Tue–Sun & Public Holidays: 10 am–6 pm
ADMISSION
€6, reduced €3
We recommend our combined ticket for two exhibitions, which also includes admission to the exhibition “Christopher Lehmpfuhl | Alter Markt Potsdam”:
Combined ticket: €9, reduced €5Free admission:
Children and young people up to and including 18 years of ageGroups of 6 or more:
€5 per personPotsdam Museum Annual Pass:
€35 / reduced €25
Valid for one year from the date of issue and allows unlimited visits to our exhibitions. Non-transferable.Reduced admission applies to (upon presentation of valid proof):
School pupils, trainees/apprentices, students.
