Royal Fireworks Laboratory (1870 –1918)

Fireworks and Film Magic – Fireworks for entertainment played only a minor role. Incendiary, explosive, and signal rockets for the military were developed, tested, and produced here. It all began in 1817 with a laboratory for incendiary rockets at the Spandau Citadel. When it grew too small, the laboratory moved to Eiswerder Island. As a remote location surrounded by water, it was ideal for producing explosives under the utmost secrecy. The Fireworks Laboratory achieved rapid breakthroughs, contributing decisively to the Prussian army’s potency. The remaining factory buildings were built between 1870 and 1918. From the end of WWI to the end of the Cold War they were used for storage, in part for the Berlin Senate Reserve. Some of the historic buildings are currently being converted to apartments. Others contain workshops and the offices of the German Stunt Association.