Church · History
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church)
A war-ruined church tower kept standing as an anti-war memorial, paired with a modern sanctuary that glows deep blue.
The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche on Breitscheidplatz is one of Berlin's best-known memorials. The old church tower was destroyed in World War II and deliberately left as a ruin, which is why Berliners nicknamed it the "hollow tooth." Next to it, a modern church of concrete and blue glass blocks went up in the 1960s.
The contrast between the shattered old tower hall and the plain new building is what makes the site so striking. Inside the modern church, light filtering through thousands of blue glass blocks fills the room with a calm, almost meditative glow. The old tower ruin houses a memorial hall that explains the church's history and its message of peace.
Visiting is free, though donations are welcome. The church sits in the middle of the western center at the start of the Kurfürstendamm, surrounded by shopping streets and the Zoo train station, so it pairs naturally with a stroll down the Ku'damm.
Frequently asked
What to know about Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church)
Is there an admission charge for the Memorial Church?
No, visiting is free. A donation toward upkeep and the memorial work is appreciated.
Why is the tower a ruin?
The tower was destroyed in World War II and deliberately preserved in that state so it would stand as a memorial against war and destruction.
What is the blue light inside?
The modern church building is clad in thousands of blue glass blocks. Daylight passing through them bathes the interior in deep blue.
Nearby & related
Pairs well with this
More attractions that combine nicely with a visit to Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church).
Kurfürstendamm
Berlin's most famous shopping boulevard in the west, with stores, cafés and the KaDeWe nearby.
Berlin Zoo
Germany's oldest zoo, with great biodiversity in the middle of the western center.
Charlottenburg Palace
Berlin's largest surviving palace, with Baroque splendor and expansive palace gardens.
More in Charlottenburg
More attractions in Charlottenburg
Other highlights in the same district that pair well with a visit to Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church).
Volkspark Jungfernheide
An expansive public park in the north of Charlottenburg with a swimming lake, a water tower and a high ropes course.
Lietzensee Park
A crescent-shaped inner-city lake with a lakeside promenade, cascades and grand Gründerzeit buildings in the middle of Charlottenburg.
Charlottenburg Palace Gardens
An expansive palace park behind Berlin's largest Hohenzollern palace, combining Baroque splendor with an English landscape garden.
Stay in the neighborhood
Find hotels in Charlottenburg
Planning a visit to Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church)? Here you'll find places to stay in the Charlottenburg district.
Tours & tickets around Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church)
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