The Magnus-Haus in Berlin (Photo DPG/Röhl)

Author: press release from the German Physical Society

The Magnus-Haus Berlin at Kupfergraben 7, directly opposite the Pergamon Museum in Berlin-Mitte, is closely linked to physics through the work of important scholars. This is the reason why the European Physical Society (EPS), designated the building as an EPS Historic Site.

Therefore, in a ceremonial act on Friday, 15 October 2021, the presidents of the European Physical Society, Dr. Luc Bergé, and the German Physical Society (DPG), Dr. Lutz Schröter, unveiled a commemorative plaque in the presence of other guests. The event started with a greeting by the two presidents and the welcome by the chairman of the Physical Society of Berlin (PTB), Prof. Dr. Oliver Benson. This was followed by lectures by Dr. Stefan L. Wolff from Deutsches Museum in Munich on the significance of the building as a historical site of physics development and by Prof. Dr. Ingolf V. Hertel, former chairman of the Magnus-Haus Board of Trustees, on central milestones of the DPG and the Magnus-Haus. The event concluded with the unveiling of the commemorative plaque.

In 1840, Heinrich Gustav Magnus, who gave the building its name, acquired it. He set up his private chemical laboratory there and later a physics laboratory, which was also available for university teaching and is considered the oldest physics institute in Germany. Today, the Magnus-Haus Berlin serves as a scientific meeting place primarily to intensify the exchange of ideas for solving problems that physics can help with and that are of general importance to our society. In addition, offices, the lecture Hall, conference rooms and the coach house with the garden are rented out for scientific or cultural events. Former Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker maintained an office in the west wing of the house until his death in 2015.

The festival guests watched the unveiling of the memorial plaque that marks the Magnus House Berlin as an EPS Historic Site. Right next to the board are (from left to right) EPS President Luc Bergé and DPG President Lutz Schröter. The PTB President and designated DPG President Joachim Ullrich can be seen on the far right. (Photo: DPG / Andreas Böttcher).