As a building form, armouries date back to the early modern period. In the 16th century, they moved up the ranks of representative buildings and were often designed by important architects. Berlin was the seat of the Prussian rulers and their armoury (Zeughaus), built in the early 18th century, constitutes an important contribution to this genre in terms of architectural and art history.
The Berlin Zeughaus is one of the most important examples of North German Baroque architecture. Today it stands at the beginning of the central boulevard Unter den Linden, which runs from the reconstructed façade of the city’s royal palace to the Brandenburg Gate. The building initially served as an armoury and was intended to be an expression of the sovereignty of the up-and-coming Electorate of Brandenburg and the Kingdom of Prussia. This was where the “tools of war” were kept — such as canons, muskets and sabres. They were stored in such a way that they were ready for use in case of war and could be accessed quickly. Military trophies captured during campaigns were also kept in the Zeughaus, as well as outdated weapons and flags as souvenirs.
It was Elector Friedrich Wilhelm of Brandenburg who first had the idea of building the Berlin Zeughaus. His son, Elector Friedrich III, who eventually become King Friedrich I in Prussia in 1701, put his father’s plan into effect, and laid the foundation stone in 1695. In constructing the new edifice opposite the palace no fewer than four architects were involved. The first was Johann Arnold Nering, who designed the building. Then, after his death, Martin Grünberg took over managing the project. Three years later, Andreas Schlüter took over from Grünberg. His successor Jean de Bodt completed the building in 1706 and gave it its final form. However, the last touches to the interior were not completed until 1730. The total construction time was thirty-four years.
From 1877 to 1883, the Kaiser and King Wilhelm I had the Zeughaus converted into a weapons museum with a hall of fame for the House of Hohenzollern and the Prussian army. A high-domed hall was added on the north side, and the courtyard was roofed over. The building served as a military museum until 1945. Unlike the Berlin City Palace opposite, the Zeughaus, which was also severely damaged in World War II, was rebuilt after the war. From 1952 to 1990 it housed the Museum für Deutsche Geschichte, the central history museum of the German Democratic Republic. Following German Unification, the Deutsches Historisches Museum was established, and this has been its home since 1990. The Zeughaus is currently closed; it is being renovated and a new permanent exhibition is being developed.
