Reclaiming Space / Wilmina Berlin

At Kantstraße 79, right in the midst of Berlin’s Charlottenburg district, a radical transformation is turning heads. The Wilmina Hotel, once a grim courthouse and women’s prison, has been reimagined into a sleek, modern retreat that feels both audacious and refined.

This isn’t just a renovation; it’s a rebellion against the past. The building, which reopened its doors two years ago, merges historical weight with a striking new aesthetic. The design team from Grüntuch Ernst has pulled off a high-wire act, keeping the prison’s iconic elements while infusing them with a bold new identity. Heavy iron doors and industrial staircases now play off against airy, luminous spaces and vibrant green courtyards, creating a contrast that’s both jarring and mesmerizing. The original barred windows have been enlarged and repurposed, transforming them from symbols of confinement into portals that bathe the interior in light and openness.

Tucked away, yet in the middle of Berlin. Surrounded by lush gardens and interflowing courtyards. A place of encounter and discovery, contemplation, and retreat.

Wilmina Berlin, Kantstraße 79, GRÜNTUCH ERNST Architekten

All guest rooms combine historical authenticity with modern luxury and comfort, without imposing distracting opulence. Despite their similarities, each room is unique. No two rooms are alike, but in all, light colors, soft textures and warm, highquality materials create calming retreats.

Every room in this 44-room enclave is a different chapter of the same story: a blend of historical nods and minimalist flair. Think warm, sun-drenched spaces punctuated by framed pressed flowers. The penthouse takes things further with panoramic windows and cascading chainmail curtains—an edgy reimagining of those iconic prison bars, now framing panoramic views of the lush courtyard and cityscape. The hotel isn’t just about plush rooms; it’s a playground of modern indulgence. You’ve got two courtyards, a private garden, a pool, a spa, and a gym open around the clock. The common areas are where the real action happens: a fireside lounge, a billiards table, and a library stacked with design books create a vibe that’s both social and sophisticated. The top-floor penthouse features a rooftop terrace that promises uninterrupted views of Berlin’s skyline and its verdant retreats.

At the rear staircase, a cell remains in its original condition. Collected documents provide visitors with insights into the complex history of the house.

The former courthouse has morphed into the Amtsalon—a dynamic space designed for contemporary art, design exhibitions, and cultural happenings. With its expansive windows and high ceilings, it’s a chameleon of a venue, suited for anything from art shows to conferences. Then there’s the Lovis restaurant, a sleek reincarnation of the old lock yard. The exposed brick walls, now capped with a modern roof and accented with floating lights, create a chic contrast to the panoramic windows that open onto vibrant gardens. Chef Sophia Rudolph’s menu is a plant-based tour de force, championing high-quality, sustainable ingredients from Brandenburg. Lovis has earned its spot in the Michelin Guide and among the world’s top 50 restaurants, proving that fine dining can be both avant-garde and ethically grounded.Adjacent to Lovis, the Lovis Bar—overseen by Nils Lutterbach—offers a minimalist twist on cocktail culture. Drinks are described in cryptic, evocative terms, rather than traditional names, ranging from light to strong and sweet to dry, adding an element of surprise to each sip. In essence, Wilmina isn’t just a hotel; it’s a statement. It’s Berlin’s past meeting its future head-on, with a cheeky nod to both historical gravitas and cutting-edge style.