The building was commissioned by Ludwig Erhard – still in his role as Minister of Economics – and was meant to represent the openness of a modern Germany. It is a late work of classical modernism, consisting of two offset, largely glazed cubes with a square floor plan and partially variable dividing walls. The larger of these squares served for representation, while the smaller was intended as the Chancellor's private residence.
From 1964 to 1999, all Federal Chancellors used the building as a residence or for representation purposes, with Adenauer hating the building, Kiesinger finding it too stark, and Brandt only being there for representative occasions. Only two Chancellors of the Bonn Republic liked living here, Schmidt for eight years, Kohl for sixteen years. Schröder refrained from setting up his bed in the bungalow. In 2001, the Chancellor's bungalow was placed under monument protection. The Wüstenrot Foundation renovated the building, and the Bonn House of History set up a small exhibition, which is accessible on Sundays by appointment.
(Visitors must carry their ID; information: 0228/9165-400)
