Winning the Schinkelpreis in 1857 for a design of the Berlin City Hall marked the ascent of Hermann Philipp Wilhelm von der Hude. Emerging from a family of Lübeck pewter makers, he navigated the transition of German architecture into the Historical style through a career that balanced public works with high-profile private developments.
Early Training and Education
Following his secondary education at the Katharineum in 1849, von der Hude began an apprenticeship under Ferdinand von Arnim in Potsdam. He enrolled at the Bauakademie in 1850. During these formative years, he assisted Friedrich August Stüler with designs for the Berliner Dom. His early professional experience included managing residential construction projects and working on infrastructure initiatives such as the Dirschauer Bridge.
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After a study trip to Italy in 1855, von der Hude passed his Master Builder examination in 1857. He subsequently undertook travels to England and France and served as a Royal Government Builder. By 1860, he established an architectural office in partnership with Julius Hennicke. He resigned from civil service in 1862 to dedicate his full attention to private practice. The firm remained active until its dissolution in 1892.
Architectural Contributions
The practice produced several major commercial and cultural structures, including the Kunsthalle Hamburg, designed with Georg Theodor Schirrmacher. Collaborations with Hennicke led to the Kaiserhof in 1874 and the Central-Hotel on Friedrichstraße. In 1887, they completed the Lessing Theater, the first new theatre in Berlin in over two decades. The firm also executed the reconstruction of the Palais am Festungsgraben and the prayer hall at the Neue Kirche.
Fast facts
- Born: 2 June 1830, Lübeck
- Died: 4 June 1908, Charlottenburg
- Education: Bauakademie, enrolled 1850
- Major Award: Schinkelpreis, 1857
- Key Partner: Julius Hennicke
- Primary Field: Historical style architecture
- Burial Site: Cemetery IV of the Jerusalem and New Church Congregation, Berlin
Questions readers ask
What happened to his major buildings?
Many of his prominent works, including the Kaiserhof, the Central-Hotel, and the Lessing Theater, were destroyed during World War II.
Did he work outside of Germany?
Yes, he collaborated with Swedish architect Magnus Isæus on the Davidsonska Palace in Stockholm in 1881.
