HISTORY
1961-1964
Hermann Henselmann, Bauhaus-influenced star architect of the GDR, develops a visionary architectural complex called the Haus des Lehrers. Functionality and transparency are placed in a futuristic architectural style. From the very beginning, parts of the complex are used for functions and expositions.
1964-1990
While the Haus des Lehrers primarily serves to further educate pedagogues, what is today the bcc is used to host international congresses and cultural events. Highlights include the Berliner Festtage and, for a short while, the Festival des politischen Liedes. Between 1964 and 1968, the GDR national parliament convenes here on multiple occasions. The buildings became listed as historical monuments in the 1980s.
1990-2001
The architectural ensemble is included in the list of most notable Berlin buildings in 1999. At the same time, the building substance falls into increasing disrepair and events become less prestigious. In the late 1990s, the so-called 'Generation@' discovers Alexanderplatz. Creative multimedia, art and architecture entrepreneurs become temporary users of the buildings.
2001
The company bcc Grundstücksgesellschaft acquires the building from the Federal State of Berlin. The light installation "Blinkenlights" attracts international attention and regard for the house.
www.blinkenlights.net
March 2002-Beginning 2004
The building ensemble is renovated and completely modernized in accordance with regulations for historical monuments for 30 million Euro. The WBM (Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Berlin-Mitte) is a significant investor in the project. The bcc becomes a standard-setting event location whilst maintaining the building's architectural identity.
September 2003
The new bcc Berliner Congress Center is reopened with an international medical congress.
Early 2005
The former Haus des Lehrers is completed and offers an additional 6,700 m² of office space