Reichstag dome, Glass dome at Reichstag Building, Berlin, Germany.
The installation is a glass dome on the parliament building in Berlin, Germany. A spiral ramp of 230 meters (755 feet) winds upward, while central mirrors provide views into the chamber and across the cityscape at the same time.
The original stone and copper cover was destroyed in April 1945 during fighting, and authorities demolished what remained in 1954. After reunification, parliament decided in 1991 to build a transparent replacement, which Norman Foster completed by 1999.
The structure represents the idea that citizens stand above politics and can watch the chamber from above. This architectural gesture makes the democratic commitment to openness physically tangible for every visitor.
Entry is free but requires online registration ahead, especially several weeks during busy periods. Audio guides in multiple languages are available, and evening visits show the city lit up, particularly at sunset.
A system of 360 mobile mirrors in the central cone follows the sun automatically to direct natural light into the chamber, while an automated sunshade blocks direct rays. This setup can cut artificial lighting consumption by up to thirty percent.
Location: Bezirk Mitte von Berlin
Inception: 1999
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Subject:
Made from material: glass
Part of: Reichstag
Address: Platz der Republik
Opening Hours: 08:00-21:45; December 24 off; December 31 08:00-13:00
Phone: +493022732152
GPS coordinates: 52.51859,13.37611
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:23
20th and 21st-century architecture has transformed city centers with structures that push engineering boundaries. Observation towers like the Seattle Space Needle and experimental residential complexes like Habitat 67 in Montreal demonstrate the evolution of construction techniques. Architects have explored new forms using materials such as steel, glass, and concrete, creating structures that meet the growing demands of metropolitan areas. This collection includes buildings that marked their time with innovative design. In Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí's Casa Milà features a wavy facade that breaks traditional norms, while in London, 30 St Mary Axe incorporates energy-saving technologies into its 180-meter structure. From Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum clad in titanium to artificial islands shaped in the Persian Gulf in Dubai, these projects illustrate the diversity of architectural approaches worldwide. Each building reflects its urban context while offering solutions to technical and functional challenges of its era.
Norman Foster has shaped contemporary architecture through technical innovation and design clarity. His buildings feature extensive glass facades, exposed steel structures and energy systems. The Reichstag dome in Berlin with its spiral ramp and the circular Apple Park in Cupertino demonstrate his approach to combining function with geometric form. In London, Foster created several landmarks that define the city's modern skyline. The tower at 30 St Mary Axe, known as the "Gherkin" for its distinctive shape, rises above the financial district. The Millennium Bridge connects the Tate Modern to St Paul's Cathedral as a slender pedestrian crossing. His portfolio includes airport terminals, office towers and cultural buildings across multiple countries, documenting his influence on international construction.
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