originally this building was used for administrative offices since the city hall was not large enough. The tower (260 feet tall) was the tallest in the city then and was loosely based on the cathedral on Gendarmenmarkt. (See here for a wikkmedia image.) Both use extensive classical sculptural decoration but the rustication in this building detracts from the classical elegance--the pedimented windows as aedicules seem more refined than the rusticated frames in this building. Both use extensive sculptural decoration; here some of sculptures are of allegorical representations of civic virtues and of Greek deities which are mounted on the tower. The building has five courtyards. Although the building was later used by the GDR, in the late 20th century the building was restored and it is currently used by the Senate. | ||
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