Gardeschützenkaserne

The Gardeschützenkaserne is a military facility in Lichterfelde with sprawling brick buildings spread across a large site. The complex structure includes several connected wings with uniform facades and courtyards typical of late 19th-century barracks design.

The facility was built between 1893 and 1896 and initially served as quarters for the Prussian Guard Rifles. After World War II, the United States took over the barracks and used it as a military base.

The building displays guard barracks design through its distinctive red brick facades and symmetrical layouts that reflect Prussian heritage. Visitors can still see the order and severity of this architecture in how the courtyards and building groups are arranged.

The site is not open to the public today as it is used by a federal agency and operates under security protocols. The architecture is visible from outside and can be viewed from the surrounding streets.

During the Nazi period, the facility was significantly expanded and gained specialized military training buildings. These changes show how the barracks evolved beyond its original purpose to adapt to shifting political demands.