Not only does Berlin have a great historical background, but it is also one of the best places for a feminism lover. Across the numerous history breakthroughs and spiraling blend of Berlin, there are many famous women who influenced different spheres. In political, literature, science, and art, let us pay our respects to some of the extraordinary women that have defined the city’s history. Below, learn how their stories are revealed through different sites as you visit Berlin on foot.
1. From light cabaret singing to an early career in the little bowdlerized edition of Fritz Langs’ successful German film, The Blue Angel, Marlene Dietrich remarkably emerged as the Queen of Cabaret.
Marlene Dietrich, the timeless beauty and talented actress born in 1901, rose to prominence and received worldwide recognition as being a true living legend of her time through her beauty and capability to defy the conventions regarding the roles and appearances of a woman. Her acts in such films as “The Blue Angel” and “Destry Rides Again” have placed her among Germany’s outstanding stars.
Another place that should be mentioned in relation with Dietrich is the Marlene Dietrich Collection Berlin which is a museum. Among such exhibits there are costumes, photos, personal effects, and other relics of the star.
2. Part Three – Rosa Luxemburg – The Revolutionary
One of the most significant political personalities of the socialist movement was the born in 1871 – Rosa Luxemburg. She devoted her energy for socio-justice and worked for equality and workers cause. Being an active leader, Luxemburg co-founded the Spartacus League, from which the German Communist Party emerged.
The remains of Luxemburg are buried at Friedrichsfelde Central Cemetery and tourists can pay their respect there. The other important institution is the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation through where one can gain more information about her life and work.
3. In the Art Context: Hannah Höch – The Dada Pioneer
Hannah Höch, the artist who was born in 1889 with her wonderful contribution carved the most desire in the art movement called the Dada art movement. In her photomontages and collages she provoked Women’s emancipation for instance challenging the conventional norms of societies.
Of all the places connected with Höch, the Berlinische Galerie, a museum which houses some of her key pieces, must not be missed. It also offers a variety of contemporary art and photo graphic works to the public.
4. Claire Waldoff: The Icon of the German Cabaret
Claire Waldoff was born in 1884 and was one of the most influential vom for German cabaret and vaude ville during the early half of the twentieth century. As a popular singer, actress and comedienne, one of the most creative personalities of the colourful Berlin-art scene, she gained fame with her bizarre clothes and provocative songs.
For the person who wants to go all out in Berlin’s cabaret, you should go to the Friedrichstadt-Palast, Berlin’s biggest theatre. Despite it not being affiliated with Waldoff in any way it offers great shows based around the style of German entertainment of the period.
- Angela Merkel – Germany’s First Female Chancellor
At the time of writing this paper, Merkel is still in office, yet her legacy in German political landscape is already marked. Achieving the position of the first female Chancellor of Germany since 2005, Merkel has power-position as the leader in the times of hardest tests.
While non-Berlin related, the Federal Chancellery and the Bundestag are indispensable locations to understand Merkel’s political career. The building which accommodates the German parliament is another structure associated with Germany’s political history – the Reichstag Building.
In Conclusion
Although looking at the topic from the female angle is intriguing, it’s even more exciting to discover Berlin through the eyes of its legendary women. Everyone has their history, and these famous people that we know today- singers, politicians, artists – have every right to have their stories told and documented. Be sure to include these inspiring ladies to your Berlin schedule, and allow their stories to make awesome Berlin even more awesome as you tour this incredible city.
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