The Berlin State Library near Potsdamer Platz, a globally recognized architectural landmark, is preparing for a monumental transformation. Marion Ackermann, President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, has announced that the facility will close its doors in 2030 to undergo a comprehensive renovation. This ambitious project is expected to span eleven years, matching the duration of the building's original construction period. With a projected budget of 1.1 billion euros, the renovation aims to revitalize a heritage-protected icon and ensure the structure is fit for the future.
Located in the heart of the Berlin Cultural Forum, the building is situated in the immediate vicinity of Potsdamer Platz, directly opposite the Berlin Philharmonic and adjacent to the New National Gallery. Constructed between 1967 and 1978 based on the visionary designs of architect Hans Scharoun, the gold-colored structure was originally built near the border of West and East Berlin. Due to its unique floor plan, which resembles the prow of a vessel, the building is often called the "Book Ship." This architectural icon encompasses over 110,000 square meters spread across twelve floors, including two levels located underground.
The upcoming renovation represents a logistical task of enormous proportions. As one of the largest libraries in Germany, the facility houses more than 5.4 million books and various other media formats. Throughout the eleven-year closure, this entire collection must be relocated and distributed among other sites. In addition to the State Library, the building also serves as the home of the Ibero-American Institute, which will be affected by the modernization efforts. To maintain public services during the renovation, book lending will continue through external depots.
While the Potsdamer Straße location prepares for its long-term hiatus, the State Library's second location at the Unter den Linden site will remain open to the public. Preparatory work for the main renovation is already underway and is scheduled for completion by 2030. To accommodate the approximately 650 employees during the construction phase, a new replacement building will be constructed on Tiergartenstraße, near the Museum of Decorative Arts.
The renovation plans, designed by the architectural firm Gerkan, Marg and Partners, do not merely focus on repairs but also on improving the building’s integration into the urban landscape. A key feature of the redesign includes opening the building further toward Potsdamer Platz, modernizing the structure while respecting the legacy of the original design. This 1.1 billion-euro investment will finally address the long-standing need for repairs, ensuring the library continues to serve as a vital part of the city's cultural history.
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