A building with a second life
Students today unwind in the room where Erich Honecker once governed. In the chamber where the GDR's State Council met for 25 years, managers from around the world now debate business strategy. Few places capture Berlin's capacity for reinvention quite like Schlossplatz 1.
Built in 1964 as the seat of the East German State Council, the building has been a protected monument since 1993. Since 2006, ESMT Berlin has transformed this historic landmark into an international business school, bringing together students, executives, faculty, and partners from around the world.
Today, every lecture, discussion, and event adds a new chapter to the story of Schlossplatz 1. We are proud to care for this remarkable building—preserving its history while investing in its future.
The story of Schlossplatz 1
A state showcase
Architects Roland Korn and Hans Erich Bogatzky design the seat of the GDR State Council. Some 150 companies contribute to the most prestigious construction project of its era in East Germany.
Seat of the State Council
For 25 years, the building serves as the workplace of the GDR's collective head of state, under leaders including Walter Ulbricht and Erich Honecker.
The portal with a borrowed past
The Liebknecht portal, salvaged from the demolished Berlin Palace, is built into the façade. Chosen because Karl Liebknecht is said to have proclaimed a socialist republic from its balcony in 1918. In truth, he stood on the roof of an ambulance parked below.
Protected monument
The building is placed under heritage protection (Denkmalschutz), securing its architecture, artworks, and interiors for future generations.
The Chancellor moves in
Gerhard Schröder governs Germany from the former map room in the building while the new Chancellery is under construction.
A business school moves in
After a careful renovation led by architect HG Merz, ESMT Berlin opens its campus. Lecture halls, seminar rooms, and study spaces find their place among banquet halls and diplomatic salons.
The next chapter
Renovation of the west wing begins, returning the historic State Council chamber and the former cinema hall to use as modern learning spaces by 2028.
Learning in a landmark
History and innovation meet in every corner of our campus. From the 360-seat Auditorium Maximum—once the State Council's banquet hall—to seminar rooms in former diplomatic salons, our learning spaces combine protected 1960s architecture with technology designed for modern, interactive teaching.
Flexible room layouts, intelligent camera systems, and hybrid learning technology support engaging learning experiences for participants on campus and online alike. Beyond the classroom, open spaces for collaboration, networking, and informal exchange create an environment where learning continues throughout the day.
Preserving history, building the future
Caring for a protected monument is a long-term commitment. Since 2006, ESMT Berlin has invested more than €40 million in the careful restoration and modernization of the building, working with architects and specialists in heritage conservation. Our long-term lease with the State of Berlin ensures that this landmark will remain our home for generations to come.
The next milestone is the restoration of the West Wing, beginning in September 2026. Supported by federal and state funding, the former State Council chamber and cinema hall will reopen in 2028 as carefully restored, thoughtfully reimagined spaces for learning, events, and public engagement. As part of this commitment, the historic rooms will once again be open to the public.
Learn more about our campus development initiatives and the west wing restoration project.
Sustainability on campus
Sustainability shapes how we develop and operate our campus. Our rooftop photovoltaic system—the largest of its kind in central Berlin—features 893 high-efficiency solar panels with a total capacity of 366 kWp. It generates up to 25 percent of the campus's electricity demand and supports our goal of achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.
Modernizing a protected monument comes with unique challenges. Original windows and façades must be carefully preserved, so every improvement is designed to respect the building's architectural heritage while improving its environmental performance. For us, heritage conservation and climate responsibility go hand in hand.
Art on campus
Our campus is home to one of Berlin's most remarkable collections of art integrated into its architecture. Highlights include Walter Womacka's monumental 180-square-metre stained-glass window in the foyer, Fritz Kühn's aluminium relief in the former State Council chamber, and Günther Brendel's 30-metre Meissen porcelain frieze in the Auditorium Maximum.
In the garden, Ortrud Lerch's restored mosaic fountain recalls the work of Kandinsky and Matisse, while contemporary additions—including Christopher Lehmpfuhl's Berlin Panorama (2013)—continue the building's evolving story.
The foyer and garden are freely accessible. To discover the full collection, join one of our public campus tours.
In the heart of Berlin
ESMT's location offers more than a prestigious address. It places students, executives, faculty, and partners at the center of one of Europe's most dynamic business, political, and cultural capitals.
Located in Berlin's historic center, the campus is within walking distance of Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, the Humboldt Forum, and many of the city's government institutions. It is also surrounded by multinational companies, startups, public organizations, and a vibrant international business community.
Studying or working at ESMT means learning in a city where global business, policymaking, entrepreneurship, and culture intersect. From guest speakers and company visits to networking opportunities and international events, Berlin becomes an extension of the classroom.
Conferences and events
Throughout the year, ESMT's campus brings together business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and changemakers from around the world.
From Today's Global Leader, ESMT Insight Hour, and the Berlin Global Dialogue to conferences and corporate events, the campus is a place for dialogue, collaboration, and exchange. It has welcomed heads of state and global figures, including former US President Barack Obama for the Obama Foundation's first European Town Hall in 2019.
Visit our campus
Visitors are welcome to experience the campus in person. The garden, with its restored mosaic fountain, and the foyer with Walter Womacka's monumental glass window are freely accessible.
Our free public campus tours uncover the building's history, architectural transformation, and role today as an international business school. Tours take place monthly and are conducted in German.
Throughout the year, we also open our doors through events such as the Neighborhood Festival and Tag des offenen Denkmals (Open Monument Day), welcoming thousands of visitors to discover the campus and its history.
Beyond Berlin
While our main campus is rooted in the heart of Berlin, the ESMT community extends around the world. Our branch office in Shanghai strengthens our presence in Asia and supports relationships with students, alumni, corporate partners, and the wider ESMT community.
Getting here
ESMT Berlin
European School of Management and Technology GmbH
Schlossplatz 1
10178 Berlin, Germany
Phone: +49 30 212 31 0
The campus is easily reached by public transport. Museumsinsel (U5) is just a two-minute walk away, while Alexanderplatz (S+U), Rotes Rathaus (U5), and Spittelmarkt (U2) are all within walking distance.
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is approximately 30 minutes away by taxi or private transfer, depending on traffic. Public transport also provides convenient connections to the campus.
For journeys across Berlin, the Jelbi app combines public transport with bike sharing, scooters, and other mobility services in a single platform.
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