Marx-Engels-Forum

The Marx-Engels-Forum in Berlin's Mitte district is a sprawling green space that was laid out in the 1970s as part of the political center of the former East Germany. The area, once known as the Park an der Spree, was created on the site of the Heilig-Geist-Viertel (Holy Spirit Quarter), which was destroyed in World War II. It is bounded by Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse, the Park am Fernsehturm, Rathausstrasse, and the Spree River. At the heart of the grounds is a monument ensemble dedicated in 1986 that honors the theorists Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. This sculpture group centers on a larger-than-life bronze figure by Ludwig Engelhardt, with Marx shown seated and Engels standing. The main monument is surrounded by eight stainless steel stelae bearing photographic documents on the history of the labor movement, as well as a marble relief wall and two bronze reliefs symbolizing different social conditions.

After German reunification, the site was the subject of debates over urban planning and remembrance politics for many years. While some favored building on the area to reconstruct the historic city center, others argued for preserving the park as a document of its time. During subway construction, the monument ensemble was temporarily moved to the edge of the green space in 2010. Since August 2022, the sculptures have stood once again in their original location on the central plaza. Today the forum is a popular destination for visitors who come to view the sculptures and take selfies. A QR code on the base also provides digital background on the history of the site. The open space remains an important public area that opens up views of the Fernsehturm (TV Tower) and the Spree, and it continues to play a central role in the discussion about the future of Berlin's Mitte.