Introduction
In the heart of Berlin‘s fashionable Mitte district stands Soho House Berlin—an exclusive members‘ club, hotel, and event space that embodies the city‘s tumultuous past and vibrant present. The building‘s history is a mirror of Berlin itself, reflecting the seismic shifts of the 20th century, from the decadence of the Weimar era to the brutality of Nazi rule, the oppression of Communist East Germany, and finally, the reunification and rebirth of the city.
Kaufhaus Jonass: A Testament to Jewish Entrepreneurship
The story of Soho House Berlin begins in the late 1920s when Jewish entrepreneurs Hermann Golluber and Hugo Halle transformed their small watch company into "Kaufhaus Jonass"—Berlin‘s first large-scale department store. Designed by architects Georg Bauer and Siegfried Friedlander in the progressive "New Objectivity" style, characterized by clean lines and functionality, the building exemplified the innovation and modernity of the era.
Kaufhaus Jonass was more than just a department store; it pioneered new retail concepts such as offering credit to customers, a revolutionary idea at the time. The store quickly became a symbol of Jewish success and ingenuity in Weimar-era Berlin, with Golluber and Halle becoming prominent figures in the city‘s business community.
Nazi Persecution and Seizure
However, the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party in the 1930s spelled disaster for Kaufhaus Jonass and its Jewish owners. As Nazi persecution of Jews intensified, Golluber and Halle were forced out of their own company, and the building was seized by the Nazi regime in 1937.
During World War II, the former department store served as the headquarters for the Reich Youth Leadership, the Nazi organization responsible for indoctrinating German youth with Hitler‘s ideology. The building‘s function shifted from a symbol of Jewish achievement to a hub of Nazi propaganda and control.
Communist Rule and Stasi Surveillance
After Germany‘s defeat in 1945, Berlin was divided into occupied zones, with the Soviet Union controlling the eastern sector. The Kaufhaus Jonass building, now in East Berlin, became the headquarters of the Socialist Unity Party (SED), the Communist Party that governed the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
From within these walls, the SED‘s Central Committee wielded absolute power over East Germany, dictating every aspect of citizens‘ lives. The building also allegedly housed offices of the notorious Stasi—the GDR‘s secret police known for their extensive surveillance and ruthless suppression of dissent.
According to historian Dr. Julia Meyer, "The Kaufhaus Jonass building during the GDR era was a symbol of the Communist Party‘s iron grip on power and the climate of fear and control that permeated East German society."
Reunification and Restitution
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent reunification of Germany marked a new chapter for the Kaufhaus Jonass building. After years of legal battles, the property was finally returned to the descendants of its original Jewish owners in the early 1990s.
The restitution process was not without challenges, as many former East German properties faced complex ownership disputes in the post-reunification era. However, the return of the building to its rightful owners was a significant step in addressing the injustices of the past.
Soho House: Blending History and Modernity
In the late 1990s, the Soho House Group acquired the Kaufhaus Jonass building, recognizing its unique historical significance and architectural charm. The company embarked on an extensive renovation project, carefully preserving original design elements while transforming the space into a luxurious members‘ club and hotel.
Today, Soho House Berlin seamlessly blends the building‘s rich history with contemporary sophistication. Original 1920s architectural features, such as exposed concrete walls and imposing columns, have been lovingly restored, while sleek modern design elements pay homage to the building‘s department store origins.
The club offers a range of exclusive amenities, including:
- 85 stylishly appointed hotel rooms
- Multiple dining and bar areas, such as the "Politburo" room with its preserved wood paneling from the GDR era
- A luxurious Cowshed spa and fully equipped gym
- A 30-seat screening room for private film viewings
- The crowning jewel: a stunning rooftop pool with panoramic city views
Soho House Berlin‘s membership is highly coveted, with an estimated 5,000 members as of 2023, according to industry reports. The club hosts over 200 member events annually, ranging from art exhibitions and film screenings to panel discussions and live performances, attracting Berlin‘s creative elite and international tastemakers.
Beyond its members‘ events, Soho House Berlin has also become a sought-after venue for private functions, with its unique spaces and rich history providing an unforgettable backdrop for weddings, corporate gatherings, and cultural celebrations. In 2022 alone, the club hosted over 150 private events, contributing significantly to Berlin‘s thriving event industry.
A Symbol of Berlin‘s Resilience
The Kaufhaus Jonass building, now home to Soho House Berlin, stands as a testament to the city‘s resilience and ability to reinvent itself. Its walls have witnessed the heights of Jewish success, the depths of Nazi oppression, the suffocating control of Communist rule, and finally, the rebirth and transformation of a unified Berlin.
As architect and historian Dr. Alexander Schulz notes, "The Soho House Berlin building encapsulates the complex, often painful, but ultimately triumphant journey of Berlin in the 20th century. Its current incarnation as a hub of creativity and luxury is a powerful symbol of the city‘s resilience and enduring spirit."
In a city where history is palpable at every turn, Soho House Berlin offers a unique experience at the intersection of past and present. By preserving and celebrating the building‘s multifaceted heritage while embracing the future, Soho House Berlin has become more than just an exclusive members‘ club—it is a living testament to Berlin‘s extraordinary story.
Conclusion
As Berlin continues to evolve and shape its identity in the 21st century, Soho House Berlin remains a vital part of the city‘s cultural fabric, connecting its turbulent past with its vibrant present. For those fortunate enough to step inside its storied walls, the building offers a captivating journey through time, reminding us of the enduring power of history to shape our lives and our cities.
In the words of Soho House founder Nick Jones, "We are honored to be the custodians of this incredible building and its remarkable history. By preserving its essence while infusing it with new life and purpose, we hope to contribute to Berlin‘s ongoing story of resilience, creativity, and transformation."
