Nouveau bâtiment de la maison des cadets de Berlin, Military academy building in Berlin-Mitte, Germany
The new cadet house building is a military academy structure in Berlin-Mitte featuring a prominent Doric portal entrance crowned by a Minerva bust. A balustrade frames the entry, embodying the classical architectural style of the 18th century.
The building arose between 1776 and 1779 under Frederick the Great, when Georg Christian Unger restructured an earlier elliptical structure. From 1777 to 1878, it served as home to the Prussian cadet corps before their move to the Royal Prussian Cadet School in Gross-Lichterfelde.
The inscription 'Martis et Minervae alumnis' above the entrance reflects the connection between military training and classical knowledge. These Latin words still shape the appearance of the entrance area today and remind visitors of the philosophical ideals behind the institution.
Parts of the building remain accessible, and visitors should pay attention to the classical architecture of the exterior. It is recommended to view the facade and entrance decorations from a distance to fully appreciate their proportions.
The building preserves traces of its former use by the cadet corps, including a hall where marshals and high-ranking officers were trained. This specialized function made it one of the most important centers for training Prussia's military elite.
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