Lifestyle — Home-and-garden

Stunning Action Taken by Kaisersaal

Grand Hotel Esplanade's Kaisersaal, a historical relic, was relocated 75 meters in a complex operation, happening back in 1996 at Potsdamer Platz.

, and Administrator

2025 September 12 . 11:40 AM

2 min read

Stunning Action Takes Place at the Kaisersaal

Stunning Action Taken by Kaisersaal

The Berlin Kaisersaal, a remnant of the once-grand Hotel Esplanade, has a rich history that spans over a century. Opened in December 1908 on Bellevuestraße, the Kaisersaal was one of the most significant rooms in the hotel, serving as a venue for high society gatherings and evening events with Kaiser Wilhelm II and his invited guests during the 1920s.

During this era, the Hotel Esplanade became a magnet for international visitors, including the likes of Greta Garbo and Charlie Chaplin. The Kaisersaal, with its gilded balustrades and marble surfaces, was a testament to Berlin's opulence and glamour.

However, the war years brought about massive destruction, but the Kaisersaal, the breakfast room, and the staircase survived. After the war, the Hotel Esplanade fell into disrepair, but the Kaisersaal continued to hold a special place in Berlin's history.

In 1996, the decision was made to move the Kaisersaal to its current location in the Sony Center, as part of a strategy to connect past and present spatially. The relocation was a complex technical challenge, completed at a speed of around five meters per minute. The Kaisersaal was moved a total of 75 meters with the help of air cushions, but the details of the engineer or the company responsible for this feat remain unknown.

Following the relocation, a multi-year restoration process began. Many layers of paint and varnish were removed, revealing the original cream-colored paintwork once again. The gilded balustrades and marble surfaces in the restrooms were also restored, bringing the Kaisersaal back to its former glory.

Since its reopening in 2000, the Kaisersaal has served as an event venue, fulfilling a functional role in today's Berlin. It is visible from Bellevuestraße but behind large glass panes, giving it the appearance of an exhibit displayed in the city space. The Kaisersaal is also a reminder of Berlin's past, belonging to the tradition of Kaisersaals in European residences, which were places of political symbolism and social representation.

In addition to its role as a venue, the Berlin Kaisersaal has also made appearances on the silver screen. It was used as a filming location for the movie "Cabaret" in the 1970s. Today, it stands as a testament to Berlin's rich history, a bridge between the past and the present, and a symbol of the city's resilience and enduring allure.