Oh no, they’re tearing down Karajan’s home-from-home

In 33 years as music director of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbert von Karajan never lived in the city.

He stayed at the Kempinski hotel on the Ku’damm, turning it into an elite hangout for Berlin Phil soloists and guests. You could catch him before breakfast in the pool.

Today there’s a huge painting of Herbie right behind the reception desk.

But, as the surrounding area gets upgraded, the Kempi (built in 1952) is showing its age. The site owners want to pull it down.

So many personal memories will go with it … Maestros of all shapes and sizes, Midori in her teens dining only on desserts, Berthold Goldschmidt talking for hours about Berlin before and after…

Sic transit.