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Reconstruction of the tea house in the English Garden: The planning begins!
District councilor informs about the reconstruction of the burnt down teahouse in the English Garden, Berlin. Clearance planned by 2026.
Reconstruction of the tea house in the English Garden: The planning begins!
On November 4, 2025, there was significant news regarding the tea house in the English Garden of the Tiergarten in Berlin. District councilor Christopher Schriner and Grün Berlin GmbH announced a cooperation agreement to rebuild the badly damaged building. The tea house, which has been in ruins since a devastating fire on September 8, 2024, was a popular meeting place in the Tiergarten and was opened in 1952 as a gift from the British occupying troops. The fire, which is attributed to a technical defect, led to the extensive collapse of the one-story restaurant, which is also a listed building.
Grün Berlin GmbH will assume responsibility for project management, including clearance work on the damaged building. These measures are expected to be completed by early 2026, with a needs assessment and reconstruction feasibility study expected by mid-2026. The expected costs for this work are around 600,000 euros, which will be financed by the Mitte district and insurance benefits.
Monument protection and fire protection
The tea house is part of the English Garden garden monument, so that the monument law requirements must be taken into account in all planning and work. Historical buildings such as the tea house are not only listed buildings, but also have existing buildings. This means that they may not have to comply with current fire safety regulations as long as the grandfathering is in effect. Historic buildings often pose a higher risk of fire as they are often made of combustible materials such as wood, making the required fire safety measures complex and challenging. This is particularly relevant because fires in such buildings often occur in secret, often due to outdated electrical systems or improper renovation work, as feuertrutz.de notes.
Despite these challenges, those in charge intend to reopen the teahouse soon. Discussions between the Mitte district and Grün Berlin GmbH are ongoing to determine future gastronomic use. Future plans provide for a detailed recording of all requirements and framework conditions necessary for the restoration and use of the tea house.
Preserve a piece of history
The reconstruction will not only help restore a cultural tourism attraction, but also keep the memory of the teahouse alive. It is located on the spot where the well-known actor Gustaf Gründgens used to live. Historical events such as the planting of an oak tree by Queen Elizabeth II in 1965 also illustrate the cultural significance of this building. With careful planning and consideration of monument protection, those responsible hope to soon re-establish the teahouse as a place for encounters and enjoyment in the zoo.