Reunification to present day
- The official German reunification ceremont took place on the 3rd October 1990 at the Reichstag building. One day later the parliament of the united Germany assembled in an act of symbolism in the Reichstag building.
- The role of Berlin at the time had not yet been decided upon, only after a fierce debate, there was a slim majority in favour that both government and parliament should return to Berlin from Bonn.
- Another architectural contest was setup for the reconstruction of the Reichstag and in 1992, Norman Foster won with a concept very different from what was later constructed. The concept was a large roof covering the Reichstag and did not include a cupola.
- However before reconstruction began, the Reichstag was wrapped up completely by Christo and wife Jean Claude in 1995 attracting millions of visitors to view the enormous work of art.
- The reconstruction is viewed widely as a success as it is one of the most visited buildings in Berlin, mostly because of the huge glass cupola on the roof allowing visitors an impressive view over the city.
- The main parliament hall can be seen from the cupola, and natural light radiates down to the parliament floor. A large sun shield tracks the movement of the sun electronically and blocks direct sunlight which might dazzle people below.
- Contruction was finished in 1999 and the German parliament was tranferred in April of that year.