From Industrial Roots to Cultural Landmark: The Evolution of Bücherbogen in Berlin

Owned by Wanda Spangenberg, Bücherbogen was founded by her mother in 1980. The name Bücherbogen, meaning “books arch,” reflects the store’s layout under brick arches

Buchhandlung Bücherbogen – Berlin’s Premier Art, Design, Photography, and Architecture Bookstore

Situated beneath the S-Bahn tracks near Savignyplatz, Bücherbogen boasts a curated collection of classic titles in art, design, architecture, photography, film, and fashion. The bookstore spans four interconnected brick arches, with each area seamlessly transitioning through smaller internal archways, guiding visitors from one specialized category to another.

Each arch features its own entrance and showcases books and magazines on sleek metal shelves, set against a brick ceiling and the rhythmic hum of passing S-Bahn trains.

Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz GmbH: The Iconic Berlin Bookstore Under the Arches

Owned by Wanda Spangenberg, Bücherbogen was founded by her mother in 1980. “It’s a family business,” Wanda explains. The name Bücherbogen, meaning “books arch,” reflects the store’s unique layout under brick arches. “We have remained in this location since our opening,” she adds. The bookstore’s logo, resembling stacked bricks forming an arch, is designed to be read from multiple directions.

Thematic Rooms Define Bücherbogen’s Layout: Landscape Architecture, Graphic Design, Fashion, Dance, and Theatre

Inside Bücherbogen, publications are organized by themes. Wanda details, “The first room covers architecture, design, landscape architecture, graphic design, and product design. The second room highlights fashion, film, dance, and theatre. The third room is dedicated to photography and art. The final room focuses on Berlin publications, including children’s books, ranging from art and photography to works by Berlin-based artists.”

From Industrial Roots to Bookstore Hub: The Evolution of Buchhandlung Bücherbogen

Bücherbogen originated on Knesebeckstraße, known as “the bookshop street” for its array of specialized bookstores. Nearby institutions like the Technical University of Berlin and Berlin University of the Arts ensure a steady stream of art and architecture students who frequent the store.

In the 1980s, the area had ties to the night scene, with prostitutes often seen outside businesses. Over time, the building transformed through renovations into its current state.

Wanda Spangenberg shares, “Bücherbogen found its home beneath the railway in a former industrial building that once housed a car repair shop.” Today, the area features various bookstores, but Bücherbogen stands out for its diverse selection and spacious layout. Customers can find everything from fiction and children’s literature to art, architecture titles, and guidebooks.

Bücherbogen’s Approach to Sourcing Publications: Partnering with Independent and Major Publishers

Wanda and her team curate their collection through distributor suggestions and independent research. Magazines are thoughtfully placed within thematic rooms alongside related books.

Bücherbogen collaborates frequently with independent publishing houses while also offering titles from major publishers. “We carry many international titles, like Apartamento and Sight and Sound, a film magazine from England. We also feature German publications, such as Brennpunkt, a photo magazine, and Lettre,” explains Wanda.

Emerging creators, especially younger ones, often visit with magazines seeking shelf space. The store’s policy is straightforward: if a magazine aligns with existing themes, it earns its place, regardless of the publisher’s size or affiliation.

Beyond Books: Community Building at Bücherbogen Berlin Savignyplatz

Bücherbogen attracts both tourists and locals. “We see a lot of traffic during the summer, especially from tourists exploring the area. However, we’re also proud of our loyal local customers, our ‘Stammkunde,’” says Wanda. She emphasizes the importance of engaging with customers, understanding their preferences, and fostering meaningful interactions.

At Bücherbogen, the mission extends beyond selling books. The dedicated team of twelve prioritizes building relationships with customers and sharing knowledge.

Bücherbogen acts as a conduit between publishers and readers, promoting communication and collaboration. “This interconnectedness and dedication to knowledge-sharing are the most rewarding aspects of working at Bücherbogen,” Wanda affirms.

Bücherbogen Berlin Veranstaltungen: Artistic Conversations and Visual Journeys

The bookstore regularly hosts book presentations and discussions in both German and English. Attendees can stay to engage in post-event conversations. “This week, we organized a meeting between Daniela Comani, an Italian artist, and art historian Miriam Schoofs. Daniela’s work explores history, identity, gender, and queer and feminist themes,” shares Wanda.

Over the past three winters, the large shop windows have featured photography exhibitions. A notable display showcased Berlin-based photographer Thomas Bruns, who captured the city’s transformations over two decades in his book Land. This year, Molitor will exhibit his architectural photographs from the Bauhaus era in the windows.

The Resilience of Print: Bücherbogen’s Vision for the Future

Wanda hopes Bücherbogen will thrive for another decade, with continued sales of books and magazines. She believes in the enduring resilience of print media despite the digital revolution: “These forms of media will persist because there will always be individuals interested in them. Currently, there’s a resurgence in paper-based media.”

People’s desire to disconnect from screens, especially after the pandemic, supports this belief. With increasing reliance on laptops for work, Wanda observes a growing preference for activities like reading or spending time outdoors during personal time.

However, she acknowledges the need for adaptability. Rising costs such as rent and electricity may require Bücherbogen to adjust its material selection to sustain its large space in the future.

Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz GmbH, Berlin

Located at Stadtbahnbogen 593, 10623 Berlin, Bücherbogen am Savignyplatz GmbH has been a family-run bookstore since 1980. Led by Wanda Spangenberg, it stands as a testament to the enduring allure of print, offering a curated selection across various genres and frequently hosting interactive events.

Giulio Polverigiani