The Berlin Television Tower was officially inaugurated on 3 October 1969 - shortly before East Germany celebrated its 20th anniversary. For Walter Ulbricht, then head of state of East Germany, the Television Tower, built in just four years, was an emblem of the superiority of the communist system - unequivocal proof that the GDR was building a bright future. The tower was designed by Hermann Henselmann and the group of architects around Fritz Diete, Günter Franke and Werner Neumann from the state-owned company Industries Projektierung (Ipro) Berlin. For a time, the general manager of the entire project was Gerhard Kosel, then President of the GDR's Deutsche Bauakademie in Berlin.
The days of East Germany are long gone, and yet, the Television Tower still attracts large crowds - it's one of the major attractions in 21st century Germany. After the reunification of Germany, the Television Tower took on a whole new meaning. No longer just a symbol of East Germany, the tower quickly became an integral part of Berlin's new cityscape and a symbol of the city - both nationally and internationally.
In 1979, still under East Germany, the Television Tower was already classified as a heritage building. Today, it welcomes over a million visitors from 86 countries every year. The observation point, over 200 metres high, offers a spectacular view of this dynamic city, where history, modernity and innovation merge. The Panorama Bar and Sphere revolving restaurant within the Tower are also ideal places to relax with a drink and enjoy the breathtaking views.