French Cathedral on Gendarmenmarkt (left)
The French Cathedral on Gendarmenmarkt was built between 1780 and 1785 on behalf of Frederick II, based on plans by Carl von Gontard. The striking domed tower complements the French Friedrichstadtkirche and, together with the German Cathedral and the Konzerthaus, forms the famous ensemble of Gendarmenmarkt. The French Cathedral commemorates the French Huguenots who once found refuge in Prussia. Today, the building houses the Huguenot Museum and an observation deck with views over Berlin's city center.
Konzerthaus on Gendarmenmarkt (right)
Today's Konzerthaus Berlin on Gendarmenmarkt was built between 1818 and 1821 according to designs by Karl Friedrich Schinkel in the Neoclassical style. Originally, the building served as the Royal Playhouse before it was later converted into a concert hall. After severe damage in World War II, an almost faithful reconstruction took place between 1976 and 1984 under the direction of architects Erhard Gieße, Klaus Just, and Manfred Prasser. In 1994, the Schauspielhaus was renamed Konzerthaus Berlin. Together with the German and French Cathedrals, the Konzerthaus is one of the architectural highlights of Gendarmenmarkt and one of Germany's most famous concert venues.