In the heart of Berlin, in the prestigious neighbourhood of the Brandenburg Gate, a building is rising that catches the eye and arouses curiosity. It is the new Polish Embassy in Berlin. Opened in early 2025, it has quickly become an icon of modern diplomatic architecture, inspiring passers-by and industry professionals. It is not just the headquarters of a diplomatic post, but a true showpiece of Poland, exuding calm, elegance and timeless design.
A unique location in the heart of Berlin
The address of the embassy, on the famous Unter den Linden avenue, is extremely prestigious and full of historical significance. Its location in the vicinity of the embassies of other world powers underlines Poland’s importance on the international stage. The façade of the building, observed by crowds of tourists, does not impose itself with a flashy form, but is subtly intriguing, inviting consideration of the architectural philosophy behind it.
Harmony and Polish identity in the design by JEMS Architekci
Behind the project is the renowned JEMS Architekci studio, which undertook the ambitious task of creating a building worthy of representing Polish diplomacy on the River Spree. Their concept was based on harmoniously integrating the building into the Berlin urban context, while clearly accentuating the Polish identity through the language of architecture.
History of the address Unter den Linden 70-72
The history of the location dates back to 1964, when the GDR authorities handed over a plot of land at Unter den Linden 70-72 to Poland. This formerly housed the Kingdom of Prussia’s Ministry of the Interior, which was destroyed during World War II. Subsequently, an office building in the ‘Leipzig’ style, designed by Emil Leybold and Christian Seyfahrt, was erected in its place and became the headquarters of the PRL Embassy. Before it was demolished in 2016, this building, an example of 1960s East German modernism, was protected by conservationists. A special work of art was the garage door, made by Fritz Kühn from 224 aluminium linden leaves, with a sparrow figure on one of them. Thanks to its artistic value, it was saved and displayed in the new building.
The new Polish embassy in Berlin
In 2012, a competition was held to design a new building to replace the outdated and non-functional structure from the 1960s. The winning concept by JEMS Architekci proposed a modern form with a balanced façade characterised by an even rhythm of windows. The tender for the general contractor was launched on 19 August 2016, after exhaustive consultations with the Berlin authorities and obtaining all necessary permits. In autumn 2016, the old embassy building was demolished, making way for a new architectural creation.
Facade: subtlety and elegance
The facade of the embassy is a true mastery of subtlety. The multi-layered structure, spanned between the neighbouring buildings, combines elegance and modesty, modernity and timelessness. The rhythmic vertical elements of the frontage, facing Unter den Linden avenue, create a dynamic play of perspectives, moving from a dense grid to an openwork structure. The translucent façade intrigues passers-by, revealing an inner courtyard with flags – symbols of Poland and the European Union.
Interiors: a dialogue between space and light
What is most fascinating is the dialogue between the outside and the inside of the building. The façade merely foreshadows the space that awaits inside. The arrangement of columns and beams, a repeating rhythmic motif, creates a spectacular play of light and shadow, inviting you to discover more rooms. The interior is characterised by its flexibility, adapting to a variety of needs – from large conferences to intimate cultural events.
The Polish Embassy in Berlin and the inspiration of domestic modernism
The embassy’s architecture makes subtle references to Polish Modernism, a trend that draws on tradition but also expresses its own national identity. The contrast of raw concrete with the warmth of wood, the high-quality furniture of Polish design – these are details that create a coherent and inspiring whole, alluding to the best traditions of Polish design.
Night illumination: the magic of light
After dark, the building comes alive thanks to the skilfully designed illumination. The light emphasises the spatial tectonics of the façade, creating a magical spectacle for those walking along Unter den Linden. It is the realisation of the idea of ‘light in architecture’, as project architect Izabela Leple-Migdalska puts it, adding extra depth and drama to the building.
The Polish Embassy in Berlin: a symbolic building
The new Polish Embassy in Berlin is more than just a functional building. It is a symbol of value, prestige and a timeless vision. It is architecture that is meant to stand the test of time, representing Poland with dignity and inspiring future generations of architects and diplomats. Walking along Unter den Linden, it is worth stopping to admire this new showcase of Poland – a testament to the power of calm and the beauty of simplicity in architecture.
photos: whiteMAD editorial team
Also read: Berlin | Germany | Modernism | JEMS Architects | Featured | whiteMAD on Instagram
The former building at 70-72 Unter den Linden and the new embassy. Photo by Marcin Sadowski, JEMS and Jörg Zägel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
