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Why not think big?

The Gesundbrunnen

In the 18th century, spa towns evolved all over Europe. In this context, the Berlin court apothecary Wilhelm Behm obtained scientific approval of the healing effects of the Panke spring and founded a modern spa: the Friedrichs-Gesundbrunnen. From then onwards, the newly built road Badstraße led aristocracy and bourgeoisie from the royal city of Berlin up to Wedding. On 40 hectares, Behm planned a spa temple, a restaurant (Traiteurhaus) and opulent gardens. But his grand dreams fell through due to a lack of funds.

The model gives insights into the effects Gesundbrunnen has had on the cityscape after Behm’s death in 1780.

The bend in Badstraße shortly before the bridge over the Panke is a result of the development plan of the spa site around 1757.

Model of the area at the Luisenbad, circa 1840, Model built by: Torsten Mahlke, 1990

Donation: Bank für Handel und Industrie (BHI) 1990 on the occasion of the 750th anniversary of Berlin, 1987