A project that was thirteen years in the making, the new Polish Embassy in Berlin officially opened on 17 January 2025. Located in the heart of the German capital, just 300 meters from the Brandenburg Gate, the embassy was designed by Warsaw-based JEMS Architekci. Described as a “testament to architectural diplomacy”, the embassy blends seamlessly into the built environment of Unter den Linden — one of Berlin’s main boulevards, it is known for its historical significance and is lined with many notable sights and landmarks.
The Polish Embassy building replaces the former headquarters designed by architects Emil Leybold and Christian Seyfarth and built from 1963 to 1964.
The new embassy’s architecture seeks to balance its expressive character with a retrained presence on Unter den Linden: “Our aim was that the architectural language would embody the Polish diplomatic corps and enhance Poland's image. We envisioned a building that seamlessly integrates with Berlin's urban fabric, yet stands apart with its own distinct character," says Marcin Sadowski, the chief designer and partner at JEMS Architekci.
The embassy is characterized by its symmetrical, double-layered facade. On Unter den Linden, the building’s three-dimensional frontage consists of a tightly choreographed arrangement of solid vertical elements that reveal both windows and an inner courtyard — here, tall flagpoles extend through the entire height of the building and above its rooftop. A series of recessed columns at ground level form an arcade that guides visitors into the embassy.
There is a seamless interplay between the exterior and interior architecture. In the grand hall, the rhythmic alignment of joists and columns appear to flow from the courtyard.
“The interior landscape unfolds as an exploration of diverse planes, spaces, and rooms. The arrangement of columns and beams orchestrates a captivating play of light and shadow, inviting exploration of the diverse spaces on the ground floor,” says Sadowski. Sliding walls are used to create distinct zones for a range of different events and gatherings. The building’s interior structure is defined by a series of internal courtyards with office spaces on its upper floors. The embassy has a total of 475 rooms, including meeting spaces, a consular section for Polish citizens, a residential area for staff, and hotel rooms for official delegations to Berlin.
The embassy’s architecture pays homage to Polish modernism, a style that resisted the influence of the International Style. “Polish modernism embraced tradition while preserving both individual and national characteristics,” says Sadowski. The rhythmic nature of the concrete beams and columns contrasts sharply with the use of warm wooden walls and hardwood floors. In addition, custom-made furniture epitomizes the essence of contemporary Polish design.
The embassy has a number of sustainable features, including: green roofs, rainwater harvesting, energy provided by renewable sources, bike parking, and EV charging.
JEMS Architekci conducted an illumination test on a full-scale model of the embassy’s facade. At nighttime, the outer facade is silhouetted against the building’s bright inner layer, ensuring the embassy maintains a presence on Unter den Linden both day and night.
Area: 10,000 square meters
