Hackesche Höfe

The Hackesche Höfe on Rosenthaler Straße in Berlin-Mitte were built in 1906 and, with eight connected courtyards spanning 27,000 square meters, form Germany's largest contiguous courtyard area. August Endell designed the Art Nouveau facade of the first courtyard. Around 1.8 million guests visit annually, and access is free.

Hackesche Höfe on Rosenthaler Straße: Eight Art Nouveau Courtyards

The Hackesche Höfe are located in the Scheunenviertel in Berlin-Mitte. The main entrance is at Rosenthaler Straße 40, and the second access point is from Sophienstraße. The ensemble was built in 1906 according to plans by Kurt Berndt, who also acted as the developer. August Endell designed the magnificent facade of the first courtyard, made of polychrome glazed bricks; he also created two ballrooms and the staircases. Eight interconnected courtyards extend over 27,000 square meters with a footprint of 9,200 square meters, making the Hackesche Höfe Germany’s largest contiguous courtyard area. Since 1977, the entire complex has been a protected monument. During GDR times, it fell into increasing disrepair; restoration only began after 1990, leading to comprehensive renovation in 1996 and 1997. To mark the completion of the work, a courtyard festival was held, attended by 50,000 people. The preservation of the complex is due to its monument protection status and ownership that focused on combining residential, commercial, and cultural uses under one roof.

Hackesche Höfe: Shops, Theater, and Residences in Eight Courtyards

Today, the courtyards are divided into approximately 16,000 square meters of commercial space and 103 apartments on another roughly 8,000 square meters. Between the passages, there are about 40 shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, including the Chamäleon Theater in the first courtyard, a cinema, a traditional confectionery, and a billiards hall. Around 1.8 million guests visit annually, showing a clear gradient: the first courtyard is heavily touristed, while the rear ones become quieter with each passage. Courtyard 5 has a large sandpit, which makes visiting with children easier, and dogs are allowed but must wait outside the shops. Access is free; payment is only made within the establishments themselves. However, a construction site is to be noted in 2026: the roof and facade need to be renewed about thirty years after the major renovation, so the entrance building will temporarily disappear behind scaffolding, and there will be restrictions in the first courtyard and on the sidewalk.