Reichstag (building) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reichstag |
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The Reichstag building. The words DEM DEUTSCHEN VOLKE – "To the German people" are written above the main entrance.
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Berlin |
| Country | Germany |
| Coordinates | 52°31′07″N 13°22′35″E / 52.5186°N 13.3763°E |
| Construction started | 9 June 1884 |
| Completed | 1894 |
| Renovated | 1961–1964, 1992–1999 |
| Height | 47 m (154 ft) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Paul Wallot |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect | Norman Foster |
The Reichstag building is a famous landmark in Berlin, Germany. It was built to be the home of the German parliament. The building opened in 1894. Paul Wallot was the architect who designed it. It stands where an old palace used to be.
The Reichstag building was used by Germany's parliament until 1918. Later, the parliament of the Weimar Republic met there. This continued until a big fire in 1933, known as the Reichstag fire. During the time of Nazi Germany, the building was not used much. It stayed empty and damaged until Germany became one country again.
In 1999, the building became the home of the German parliament once more. A famous British architect, Lord Norman Foster, led its rebuilding.
Today, Germany's parliament is called the Bundestag. The word Reichstag used to mean the parliament itself. This goes back to the time of the Holy Roman Empire. The parliament stopped acting as a true parliament during Nazi Germany (1933-1945). Now, the German word Reichstag refers to the building. The word Bundestag refers to the group of elected officials.
The Reichstag Dome
The original dome of the Reichstag was hurt in the 1933 fire. It was damaged again during World War II. A new, large glass dome was built to replace it.
This new dome gives visitors a 360-degree view of Berlin. You can also look down into the main hall where the parliament meets. Natural light shines from the dome onto the parliament floor. A special sun shield moves electronically. It blocks direct sunlight so the room does not get too hot or too bright.
The work on the dome finished in 1999. The parliament moved into the building in April of that year. Now, you need to register ahead of time to visit the dome.
Images for kids
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Memorial Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which inspired the original Reichstag Building.
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A 1970 DDR stamp showing the raising a flag over the Reichstag.
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The Reichstag building in 1970, before the dome was rebuilt.
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The building being "wrapped" before its reconstruction on July 6, 1995.
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Reconstruction work happening in August 1998.
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The Reichstag building in 2017.
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The Reichstag building seen from the former Königsplatz at night.
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The back of the Reichstag building at night, seen from across the Spree River.
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See also
In Spanish: Edificio del Reichstag para niños
