Reichstag dome, Glass dome at Reichstag Building, Berlin, Germany.
A spiral ramp measuring 230 meters gradually ascends to the top of the dome, offering downward perspectives of the parliamentary chamber where Bundestag deputies sit. The installation of central mirrors allows simultaneous observation of legislative activities below and the Berlin panorama in 360 degrees.
During the Battle of Berlin in April 1945, Paul Wallot's original stone and copper dome was destroyed. In 1954, East German authorities blew up the dome. The building remained without a cover until reunification, when the Bundestag decided in 1991 to rebuild a transparent dome. Norman Foster was commissioned to carry out the project, delivering this glass and steel structure in 1999.
The glass dome symbolizes Germany's desire for democratic transparency: citizens can observe parliamentary work from the upper ramp, embodying the principle that the people stand above their political representatives. Norman Foster's architectural design reverses the traditional hierarchy between rulers and the governed.
Access to the dome is free but requires online registration in advance, especially several weeks ahead during peak season. Multilingual audio guides are available to understand the architecture and functioning of the Bundestag. The evening tour offers a view of Berlin lit up, especially appreciated at sunset. A restaurant on the top floor, accessible without a separate reservation, allows for an extended experience. Visitors can attend parliamentary sessions from the public galleries upon prior request to the Bundestag administration.
The system of 360 mobile mirrors in the central cone automatically tracks the sun's movement to capture natural light and redirect it to the parliamentary chamber, while an automated sunshade protects deputies from direct rays. This setup can reduce artificial lighting energy consumption in the Bundestag by up to 30%.
Location: Bezirk Mitte von Berlin
Inception: 1999
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Subject:
Made from material: glass
Part of: Reichstag
Address: 1 Platz der Republik 10557 Berlin
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: November 20, 2025 16:55
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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