Marlene Poelzig in Modernist Charlottenburg
The Capitol Cinema at the Zoo, the Haus des Rundfunks and her home and studio in Westend: the sculptor and architect Marlene Poelzig (1894–1985) demonstrated her creative flair through these three buildings in Charlottenburg. In the 1920s, she helped shape Berlin as a testing ground for New Objectivity and Expressionism, working from the shared architectural studio she ran with Hans Poelzig.
Image gallery
„Zu dumm, daß ich nicht ‚namhaft‘ bin.“ Marlene Poelzig im Charlottenburg der Moderne
She was unable to continue her artistic development in Nazi Berlin. Her contemporary recognition was also marginalised in post-war architectural historiography. In protest against the impending demolition of the villa in Westend, the ‘Haus Marlene Poelzig’ initiative was founded in 2020, reigniting the discourse surrounding her work.
The house has disappeared, but following its demolition, the initiative sparked a debate about Marlene Poelzig’s legacy through performances, research and a publication. It linked this to demands for equality in the building industry and for a new culture of renovation that opposes demolition. The exhibition, initiated and conceived by the initiative and Urbanophil e.V., highlights Marlene Poelzig’s work through three of her key buildings.
Funded by the District Culture Fund.
Additional information
Opening hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday–Friday: 10.00 – 17.00
- Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
- 1 January: 10.00 – 17.00
- 24 December: Closed
- 31 December: Closed
