The empty shell of this monumental building appears eerie in that desolated setting. Despite its condition the Palace of Culture is a special sight - contemporary witness of the post-war history of the city:
After one year construction time the minister of the GDR inaugurated the Palace of Culture in 1951. This magnificent building housed a large foyer and a comprehensive theatre hall with 1.000 seats for vaudevilles, concerts and political stagings. There was also a big dancing saloon and rooms for education and entertainment like a library, a restaurant, a café and a bar and rooms for music and children, too. This pompous architecture (for example with huge columns and elaborate balusters) contrasted with the city centre which was completely destroyed in World War 2. Vis-à-vis of the Palace of Culture there is a gym with swimming hall which was surrounded by an enormous pleasure ground with trick fountains and pavilions. With these cultural and sports sites the Soviet occupying forces wanted to better their image. However, in 1967 the Palace of Culture was closed – reasons unclear. So the GDR TV moved in. Shortly after that all the big names from the GDR but also foreign artists were guests in the studio. 16 years ago they moved out. Since then the palace is decaying and a venue for vandals...