1943
An air raid destroys large parts of the Hansaviertel; the post-war years are marked by gaps and temporary structures.
The renovation
The restoration of the café in accordance with its listed building status was challenging and at the same time a matter close to our hearts.
The entire Hansaviertel district has been a protected historical site since 1997, as has the Swedish House. Previous vacancy and earlier uses had left clear traces.
Step by step, with the help of our friends and family (Timo and Julian can be seen in the video), we removed later additions, dismantled walls and suspended ceilings, and revealed the original openness and clarity of the architecture. Special thanks go to Michael Freund for his tireless efforts.
With the support of a conservator and using mineral paints from the Keim company, the original 1957 color scheme was reconstructed. Interior designer Johanna Karges assisted us with the planning.
We also paid attention to temporal references and attitude when it came to the furnishings:
The flooring is made of period-appropriate natural rubber from Nora, while the furniture draws on modernist classics – Alvar Aalto tables by Artek, Eiermann chairs by Wilde+Spieth , and porcelain lamps by Ifö, KPM Berlin, and Mawa. The carpentry work was carried out by Hannah Rotthaus of Roh Studio .
The café is accompanied by artistic works, including pieces by Galli, Jack O'Brien, Daniel Moldoveanu, Marcel Broodthaers, Gritli Faulhaber and Catharine MacTavish.
Whether in the light-flooded interiors or on the terrace overlooking the bungalows by Arne Jacobsen and the Tiergarten – the Café Tiergarten invites you to relax, meet each other or simply enjoy the moment with good coffee and honest food.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported and contributed to our Startnext campaign . Your support was essential in making the café a reality. We would especially like to thank Tim Rühle and Dominik Freund.
