Between Culture and Shopping: Brandenburger Street in the Heart of Potsdam

Brandenburger Street in Potsdam is a 750-meter-long pedestrian zone that runs from the Peter and Paul Church at Bassinplatz to the Brandenburg Gate at Luisenplatz. Created during the second city expansion in 1733, it was initially home to craftsmen. By the late 19th century, the street transformed from a residential area into a commercial hub, and today it is often referred to as a “boulevard” or “broadway.” With numerous shops, cafés, and restaurants, it invites visitors to linger. Nearby attractions, such as Sanssouci Palace and the Barberini Museum, combine culture and shopping perfectly. During the Advent season, the festively decorated street transforms into Potsdam’s popular Christmas market.

New Infrastructure and Paving for Brandenburger Street

Brandenburger Street is currently undergoing extensive renovation to improve traffic safety and accessibility. The new paving, covering more than 6,250 m², comes from the Berlin-based company BESCO and is made of fine-grained, reddish-gray belgrano® granite, laid in a diagonal pattern. Granite, a particularly durable hard stone, makes the surface suitable even for heavy-duty traffic. Additionally, the material stands out for its exceptional resistance to weather and de-icing salts, making it both long-lasting and low-maintenance – ideal for a busy street in Potsdam’s city center.

In addition to the new paving, the underground infrastructure, including water, gas, and electricity lines, is also being modernized. The first phase was successfully completed in summer 2024. Since September 2024, work has been focused on the second section, covering the area from Jägerstraße to Dortustraße.

UNESCO Creative City of Film: Potsdam’s Role as a Major Film Hub

Potsdam, home to the over 100-year-old Babelsberg Film Studios, is a sought-after location for film and TV productions. Around 200 outdoor filming permits are issued annually. Since the studios opened in 1912, numerous significant films have been produced here, from silent films like Der Totentanz to Oscar-winning works such as Inglourious Basterds and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Today, the Babelsberg Studios are among the most profitable film studios in Europe, solidifying Potsdam’s status as Germany’s leading film hub.

Since October 30, 2019, Potsdam has been recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Film – the first city in Germany and one of only 18 worldwide. The ongoing paving work provides an opportunity to implement the concept of a “Boulevard of Films,” further strengthening Potsdam’s position as a center of film production.