Construction of the East Berlin Palast der Republik was completed in 1976; it opened in April that year. (2) 
From 1976 to 1990, the Palast der Republik was home to the East German parliament, the Volkskammer (3)
The Palast der Republik was called “Erich’s Lamp Store” because of the elaborate lighting in the lobby. (4)
The Palast der Republik also held cultural events and performances – incl. concert by Tangerine Dream in 1980. (5)
The Palast was closed for asbestos removal shortly before reunification. Asbestos removal was completed in 2003 by stripping the whole interior. (6)
April 2003, the German federal government decided to demolish the Palast der Republik. (7)
Majority of former GDR citizens opposed demolition as destruction of history - many supported the decision as removal of a blight (8)
Demolition of Palast der Republik 2006-2008; 35,000 tonnes of steel recycled, now part of Burj Khalifa in Dubai. (9)
For more on the demolition and preservation of GDR monuments in post-1989 Berlin, check out historyned.blog/2015/12/24/mon…
