Reichstag Building

Reichstag Building

The official name of the Reichstag Building is “Plenary Hall of the Imperial Diet,” and it is a structure located in the central area of Berlin, the capital of Germany. It first served as the Imperial Diet of the German Empire, later becoming the parliamentary seat of the Weimar Republic; starting in 1994, the German Federal Convention has gathered here every five years to elect the President of Germany; from 1999 onward, it has been the seat of the German Bundestag.

The Reichstag Building embodies a blend of classical, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles and is a symbol of German unity. Due to opposition from Kaiser Wilhelm II at the time, the inscription “To the German People” was not added until during World War I. The Reichstag Building is not only the home of the federal parliament but its glass dome has also become one of the most popular tourist attractions. Its ever-evolving history reflects various aspects of German history since the 19th century, with an average of 8,000 visitors each day.

Plans to display artworks inside the Reichstag predated its renovation and were incorporated into the redevelopment process. The building serves as the central hub for art exhibitions within Berlin’s government district. During the renovation, 18 artists were invited to contribute their own works, including well-known German artists as well as creators from Britain, France, Russia, and the United States, reflecting Berlin’s history of occupation. In addition, the building houses numerous purchased or loaned artworks, showcasing pieces by nearly 30 contemporary artists.

The dome of the Reichstag is open to the public daily from 8:00 to 24:00 and can be visited free of charge, though waiting times should be taken into account; when the parliament is not in session, the parliamentary chamber is also free to visit. Guided tours are available every hour on weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00, and on weekends and holidays from 10:00 to 16:00.

Reichstag Building

Must-visit reason: One of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Germany[Germany]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Berlin State [Berlin]

City where the attraction is located: Berlin [Berlin]