About us

The Garrison Church in Potsdam is a place with a long and ambivalent history. This history also includes the history of reconstruction. The church tower, which opened in 2024, is in its original baroque style - and yet offers something completely new. Who we are, what we do, how you can reach us: Find out more here.

contact

Mission statement

“Guide our feet into the way of peace”: this inscription on the plinth can be found in five languages on the tower of the Garrison Church. The Bible passage from the Gospel of Luke is the compass for the work and programme at the Garrison Church. The site is owned and operated by the Garrison Church Potsdam Foundation. As a church foundation, it promotes religion, education, art, and culture and is committed to tolerance.

 

We remember history to learn from it for today and tomorrow. To this end, we offer space for dialogue and controversy in mutual respect. We are open to the world, value diversity and are committed to respectful coexistence. We want to strengthen cohesion in society and promote peace and democracy. We oppose discrimination and marginalisation and all forms of anti-Semitism, racism, and historical revisionism.

Support

Origin

The Garrison Church has a history of almost 300 years.

 

It was built in 1735 by the Prussian “Soldier King” Frederick William I.

 

In 1945, the baroque church was burnt out during the bombing of Potsdam.

 

In 1950, the Chapel of the Holy Cross was established in the tower as a place of peace.

 

In 1968, the anti-church GDR regime had the remains of the nave and the tower blown up and built a data processing centre on parts of the site. This also destroyed the former meeting place of the Protestant Holy Cross congregation.

Reconstruction

In 2017, the Garrison Church Potsdam Foundation begins rebuilding the Garrison Church. This is based on a resolution passed by the city council in 1990 to rebuild the church in line with Potsdam’s historical cityscape.

 

The 57-metre-high tower will open in 2024.

 

The tower is expected to be completed in 2026 with a 30-metre-high dome and weathervane. Externally, the rebuilt tower largely resembles the baroque original. Inside, it presents itself with a modern space and utilisation concept.

A place of remembrance

The Garrison Church symbolises the eventful German history of the past three centuries, but especially of the 20th century.

 

The historic church was also a place of anti-democratic and traditionalist forces and was regarded as a symbol of militarism. In 1933, the National Socialists staged Adolf Hitler’s seizure of power in the National Protestant church.

 

The aim of the reconstruction is to create a place of remembrance, culture, and discourse in which German history is critically reflected upon. This includes analysing the history of the Garrison Church in its various contexts, documenting it, and communicating it in a broad educational programme.

Cultural and touristic significance

The Garrison Church has always played an important cultural and tourist role in Potsdam as an outstanding example of North German Baroque architecture. It was part of the famous “Dreikirchenblick” (three-church view) and was a delight with its carillon.

 

The rebuilt church tower brings architecture and craftsmanship to life and replaces a missing link in the cityscape. With its reachable by lift viewing platform and a varied programme, it provides Potsdam with a new cultural and tourist highlight.

Support

Many small and large donations have contributed to the reconstruction.

The project is supported by numerous sponsors, including the Fördergesellschaft für den Wiederaufbau der Garnisonkirche e.V. (Society for the Reconstruction of the Garrison Church).

Fördergesellschaft

You can also get involved!

You can support the construction and maintenance of the church tower and the content-related work of the Garrison Church Foundation - with a donation of money or time.

Support

Promotion of content

The content-related work is supported by, among others