Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz

Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz under the City Railway

Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz utilizes an address unlike any other in Berlin: four interconnected brick arches under the city railway tracks in Charlottenburg. Each arch has its own entrance, smaller passages lead from room to room inside, and the S-Bahn runs above the vault every minute. The building was previously used commercially, including as a car repair shop. The name and logo of the bookstore reflect this architecture, with the symbol showing stacked bricks forming an arch.

The establishment was founded in 1980 as a family business, with its origins in the nearby Knesebeckstraße. Today, twelve booksellers work here. Technische Universität and Universität der Künste are within walking distance, constantly bringing students to the shelves. Getting here is straightforward, as the S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, S9, and S75 stop directly above the shop, buses M49 and X34 stop at Savignyplatz, and Uhlandstraße U-Bahn station is about five minutes away.

Specialized Books on Architecture, Art, Fashion, and Design

Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz is Berlin’s specialized bookstore for architecture, art, fashion, film, and design, and its four arches are thematically organized. The first arch features architecture, design, landscape architecture, graphic and product design; the second, fashion, film, dance, and theater; the third, photography and art; and the fourth, Berlin publications including children’s books. Magazines such as Apartamento, Sight and Sound, or Lettre are placed with their corresponding books rather than in a separate section. Additionally, there is fiction, children’s literature, and travel guides.

The establishment frequently collaborates with independent publishers and includes magazines by emerging creators in its program if they fit the theme. Orders can be placed by phone, email, or through the online catalog, delivered by bike courier, messenger, or post, and gift-wrapped upon request. Delivery within Germany costs a flat rate of four euros, with specialized volumes often ranging between 32 and 36 euros. In the evenings, book presentations are held in German and English, and photography exhibitions have been running in the large display windows for several winters.