State Council Building, Government building in Berlin-Mitte, Germany.
The State Council Building at Schlossplatz 1 is a three-story structure with grey sandstone and red volcanic rock covering its steel frame. Rectangular panels of red rhyolite dominate large sections of the exterior walls, giving the building its recognizable appearance in the city center.
Between 1964 and 1990, this building served as headquarters for the State Council of the German Democratic Republic after the government moved from Schönhausen Palace to the center. Following reunification, the structure was renovated and has housed the European School of Management and Technology since 2006.
Visitors enter through Portal IV, a Renaissance doorway salvaged from the demolished palace that once stood on this square. This archway stands against modern walls of grey and red stone, showing how different eras of the city coexist in one building.
The building is a protected monument and now serves as an administrative facility, so interior spaces are not open for public visits. However, visitors can view the exterior design and Renaissance portal from the surrounding Schlossplatz square.
The red rectangular panels on the exterior walls resemble banners in their shape and were intended to convey political symbolism. This design choice reflects how architecture can be used to communicate ideological messages.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
