Berlin is a city of endless reinvention, fostering remarkable figures throughout its turbulent history. One such icon is Marlene Dietrich, a woman whose legacy extends far beyond cinema and glamour, a figure deeply intertwined with the very soul of this complex metropolis.
Born Marie Magdalene Dietrich in Berlin’s Schöneberg district in 1901, her career in silent films and theater found its voice as the 1920s roared throughout the city. However, her unforgettable role in The Blue Angel in 1930 catapulted her to global stardom and led to a spectacular Hollywood career.
As World War II devastated Europe, Marlene Dietrich became a fierce supporter of the Allied forces, renouncing her German citizenship and entertaining troops on the front line. Despite her courageous opposition to the Nazi regime, Marlene Dietrich’s legacy in Germany remains a point of complex emotions for some.
However, Berlin embraces this complicated daughter of the city, preserving her story for those who seek a deeper understanding of this multi-faceted woman.
Walking in Marlene Dietrich’s Berlin Footsteps
Marlene Dietrich’s Early Life in Berlin-Schöneberg
Our journey begins on Leberstrasse 65, formerly known as Sedanstrasse, where Marlene Dietrich was born.
While war erased her original childhood home, a commemorative plaque now marks the spot.
This unassuming location offers a moment to contemplate Marlene Dietrich’s humble beginnings and the extraordinary force she would become.
Next to it, if you are walking there from the Julius-Leber-Brücke S-Bahn, you can find a mural high above the street, celebrating her life and the fact that she used to call this neighborhood home.
Marlene-Dietrich-Platz: A Tribute in the Heart of Berlin
The bustling district around Potsdamer Platz is home to Marlene-Dietrich-Platz, a modern square paying homage to her lasting impact. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification, Berlin immortalized Dietrich here, in what was once ‘no man’s land’ between East and West.
Today, this is a thriving point to visit the Berlin Film Museum, indulge in modern German cuisine, and pay your respects to a boundary-breaking legend. It is a testament to Marlene Dietrich’s enduring legacy in her hometown.
Boulevard of Stars: A Walk Among Legends
Potsdamer Platz, known for its recent history and modern architecture, is also home to the Boulevard of Stars. This glittering pathway honors the greatest actors and directors in 120 years of German-speaking film and television history.
Marlene Dietrich’s star and others like F. W. Murnau and Wim Wenders shine brightly along this “red carpet,” creating a timeless connection between the past and present.
Marlene Dietrich’s Final Resting Place
When Marlene Dietrich passed away in Paris at 90 in May 1992, her final wish was to be buried near her mother in Berlin. Her grave, located in the Städtischer Friedhof Stubenrauchstraße cemetery, became a symbol of her love for her birthplace and her unwavering stand against the atrocities of Nazi Germany.
Unfortunately, even in death, Marlene Dietrich faced challenges. In 1993, her grave was desecrated, underscoring the divisive opinions about her choices. For those who understand her heroic stance against Nazi Germany, her burial in Berlin is a reminder of her commitment to a better Germany.
Beyond the Monuments – Marlene Dietrich’s Enduring Influence
More than just places, the spirit of Marlene Dietrich continues to live in Berlin’s cultural fabric. Her bold fashion, smoky voice, and embrace of gender fluidity all speak to a woman ahead of her time – a time still catching up to her. She is a true inspiration, embodying the incredible impact of art, the unwavering pursuit of freedom, and the intricate ways cities honor their exceptional individuals.
Exploring Marlene Dietrich’s Berlin is a journey through the life of a unique artist and a woman who stood firm in her convictions. Each spot tells a part of her extraordinary story, from her birthplace to the iconic Marlene-Dietrich-Platz, the Boulevard of Stars, and her final resting place in Friedenau.
As we celebrate her legacy, it is evident that Marlene Dietrich will always be an essential part of Berlin’s cultural fabric.
