Villa von der Heydt

The Villa von der Heydt features symmetrical architecture with classical motifs, including a high basement level, lower upper floor, and portico entrance on the north facade.

Built between 1860 and 1862 for Baron August von der Heydt, the villa served as the residence for China's first envoy to the German Empire from 1878.

Karl von der Heydt established a notable gathering place in the villa during the late 19th century, attracting poets and artists including Rainer Maria Rilke.

The building now functions as the headquarters of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation following extensive renovation work completed in 1980.

The villa contains marble busts of Alexander von Humboldt and Christian Daniel Rauch, originally part of the Berlin Victory Column collection.

Location: Berlin-Mitte

Inception: 1860

Architects: Hermann Ende

Address: Von-der-Heydt-Straße 16–18, 10785 Berlin 10785

GPS coordinates: 52.50670,13.35520

Latest update: March 5, 2025 12:18