There are a great many places in Berlin that have the title of "former ___." In contrast to Tokyo, where old things are being cleared away and new buildings are being erected, cultural facilities, hotels, music venues, and other buildings that are over 100 years old are being touted as cool and cultured. "The Future of Berlin's Historic Buildings" introduces unique spaces that unite the history of a city that has had a cheesy fate with cutting-edge culture.
Exterior of the cafe and bar "ORA"
We visited Oranienplatz in the Kreuzberg district, which is home to many restaurants and cultural spots and is bustling until the early hours of the morning on weekends. On a corner facing the square, there is an old-fashioned building with a sign that reads "ORANIEN-APOTHEKE" (German for Oranien Pharmacy). As the name suggests, this is a former pharmacy that opened in 1860. After operating for roughly 150 years, it closed its doors a few years ago and reopened in the spring of 2015 as the cafe and bar "ORA," retaining much of its original appearance.
The charm of the display is the use of items from the original pharmacy
At first glance, it looks like an old concrete building typical of Berlin. However, the moment you step inside, the gorgeous and dignified interior, which exudes a sense of its long history, is so beautiful it will make you gasp in admiration. Not only the tall chemical shelves but also the reagent bottles and flasks on display are still displayed exactly as they were back then. Owner Christoph spent two years personally renovating the old pharmacy into a restaurant.
Flasks used in the pharmacy are on display
ORA quickly became a popular spot after opening, and is bustling all day with people looking to spend some time in this special space. Its casual atmosphere makes it an appealing choice, with customers able to enjoy an espresso during the day or a cocktail in the evening. The food, prepared in the kitchen at the back of the bar, is also delicious. Freshly baked cinnamon rolls and cakes are served in the morning, while lunch and dinner feature meals made with plenty of locally grown vegetables, with the accompanying bread also made in-house.
Homemade cinnamon rolls baked in the morning
In a place that was once used to heal the ill, people now sip a drink and spend their time leisurely. It's a mysterious place where history comes alive in the present, like watching a scene from a movie.
Exterior of the cafe and bar "ORA"
We visited Oranienplatz in the Kreuzberg district, which is home to many restaurants and cultural spots and is bustling until the early hours of the morning on weekends. On a corner facing the square, there is an old-fashioned building with a sign that reads "ORANIEN-APOTHEKE" (German for Oranien Pharmacy). As the name suggests, this is a former pharmacy that opened in 1860. After operating for roughly 150 years, it closed its doors a few years ago and reopened in the spring of 2015 as the cafe and bar "ORA," retaining much of its original appearance.
The charm of the display is the use of items from the original pharmacy
At first glance, it looks like an old concrete building typical of Berlin. However, the moment you step inside, the gorgeous and dignified interior, which exudes a sense of its long history, is so beautiful it will make you gasp in admiration. Not only the tall chemical shelves but also the reagent bottles and flasks on display are still displayed exactly as they were back then. Owner Christoph spent two years personally renovating the old pharmacy into a restaurant.
Flasks used in the pharmacy are on display
ORA quickly became a popular spot after opening, and is bustling all day with people looking to spend some time in this special space. Its casual atmosphere makes it an appealing choice, with customers able to enjoy an espresso during the day or a cocktail in the evening. The food, prepared in the kitchen at the back of the bar, is also delicious. Freshly baked cinnamon rolls and cakes are served in the morning, while lunch and dinner feature meals made with plenty of locally grown vegetables, with the accompanying bread also made in-house.
Homemade cinnamon rolls baked in the morning
In a place that was once used to heal the ill, people now sip a drink and spend their time leisurely. It's a mysterious place where history comes alive in the present, like watching a scene from a movie.
