- Galeries Lafayette opened for the last time
Galeries Lafayette opened its doors for the last time this morning, marking the final day of sales before the permanent closure of the French luxury department store on Friedrichstraße. Many curious shoppers were drawn to the glass building to browse the nearly empty floors for remaining bargains. "Eerie" and "a shame" were some of the comments heard from visitors.
The French retail chain announced in the fall of 2021 that it would be abandoning its sole German location in Berlin. For nearly 29 years, Galeries Lafayette served as an important retail anchor on Friedrichstraße. The iconic glass building was designed by French star architect Jean Nouvel.
As the department store's closure approaches, discussions about its future use are heating up. The building's owner, Tishman Speyer, confirmed a report by the "Tagesspiegel" that comprehensive renovation work for a mixed-use development, including office space, gastronomy, and retail, is set to begin in the first quarter of next year.
However, the proposal to move the Central and Regional Library (ZLB) into the glass building, championed by Culture Senator Joe Chialo (CDU), is still on the table, a spokesperson for Tishman Speyer emphasized. Negotiations with the Senate on this matter will continue. Even with the start of renovation work and the leasing of initial spaces, the ZLB's move is still a possibility.
The European Union, as a supporter of cultural heritage, expressed concerns about the future of Galeries Lafayette, a renowned French luxury department store that has significantly contributed to Berlin's cultural scene on Friedrichstraße. If the Central and Regional Library (ZLB) were to move into the iconic glass building, it would be a significant cultural shift endorsed by Germany's Culture Senator Joe Chialo (CDU), potentially maintaining the building's role in the community within the context of the European Union's cultural preservation initiatives.
