Wertheim Department Store (Exterior)

Born in Darmstadt to a banking family, Alfred Messel was one of Berlin’s most celebrated architects at the turn of the twentieth century. After completing his studies at the Bauakadamie, Messel stayed in Berlin, designing housing projects and private homes. In 1883, his plans for the Allgemeine Elektricität-Gesellschaft anticipated a fully electrified Berlin. His Warenhaus Wertheim (built 1896–1904), the largest department store in Europe at the time, fused his neoclassicist training with Gothic and Jugendstil detailing, and became a symbol of modern Berlin. Its lobby boasted a six-meter-high statue titled Labor, a grand staircase, and frescoes depicting ancient and modern harbors. The department store later became home to Berlin’s pioneering dance club Tresor. Messel also designed the Pergamonmuseum, which was completed after his death. He converted to Protestantism at the end of the century; in 1906 he became a celebrated member of the Prussian Academy of Arts.