Reichstag, Parliament building in Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany
The Reichstag is a Neo-Renaissance parliament building on Platz der Republik, designed by Paul Wallot and built from 1884 to 1894. Its symmetrical limestone and sandstone facade has a central portico of six fluted columns beneath a triangular pediment carved with figures, and the inscription "DEM DEUTSCHEN VOLKE" above the main entrance. A glass and metal dome by Norman Foster rises above the plenary chamber.
Construction finished in the late 19th century, and the structure suffered heavy damage during the Second World War that left it unusable for decades. After reunification, extensive renovations began to give the parliament a permanent home.
The name Reichstag refers to the Imperial Diet and now denotes the building, while Bundestag names the institution that meets inside. The inscription "Dem deutschen Volke" was added to the west facade in 1916 despite Wilhelm II's opposition. Since 1994 the Federal Convention has assembled here to elect the federal president.
Advance registration through the parliament website allows access to guided tours, plenary sessions, and the glass dome from morning until midnight. Those planning to visit the dome should bring valid identification and allow time for security checks.
A spiral ramp inside the glass dome guides visitors upward, while a mirror system above directs natural light down into the chamber. This arrangement brings daylight to the representatives below without placing them directly beneath the public.
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