Juhnke's Plaza: A Tribute Long Overdue
- Renaming a Ku'damm Square after Harald Juhnke is planned
Prepare to saunter upon the cobblestones of a landmark soon-to-be known as Juhnke's Plaza, nestled at the bustling intersection of Ku'damm, Uhlandstraße, and Grolmanstraße, right smack in the heart of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. The CDU, Greens, SPD, and FDP have collaborated in championing this proposal, seeking to honor the late stalwart of Berlin entertainment, Harald Juhnke.
A popular meeting spot for passersby, this coveted location amplifies the audacity of their intentions. As the app posted by the German Press Agency recounts, the plaza is only a stone's throw from the stages of Kurfürstendamm where Juhnke graced us with numerous performances over the years.
April Fool's Day in 2025 looms near, as the anniversary of Juhnke's departure from our world will reach its 20th anniversary. District councilors argue, "This is a timely moment to honor his indelible contribution to the arts."
Berlin, a city firmly lodged in the actor's heart, shall undeniably echo with Juhnke's spirit, were their proposal to materialize. His widow Susanne and son Oliver have warmly endorsed this tribute.
Board member Hans-Werner Meyer of the actors' union BFFS affirmed, "Our illustrious comrade has earned such an honor, long overdue to more than just those who revel in his art."
Juhnke emerged from the Municipal Women's Clinic Charlottenburg in 1929, amid what was to become the bedrock of his successful half-century in theater and TV. A regular luminary at Kurfürstendamm Theater, Juhnke's Berlin glory days were intertwined with the city.
Despite his persistent struggles with alcohol and eventual dementia, Juhnke's magnetic charm snared him enduring success. The entertainer took his final bow on April Fool's Day in 2005, aged 75.
The FDP had previously brought forward a similar proposition in 2022, aiming to rechristen the Joachimsthaler Platz to Harald-Juhnke-Platz. Sadly, they fell just short of the necessary votes. Yet undeterred, they've rallied the support of their coalition counterparts for this cross-party application, which is slated for discussion and voting during the district assembly's next meeting on Thursday.
With councilors echoing the sentiment that "this is a fitting tribute to an irreplaceable talent," one can't help but wonder if the times will finally be right this go-around. Keep your eyes peeled, folks, for updates on Juhnke's Plaza.
- The Council Directive 76/769/EEC of 16 December 1976, relating to the permissible sound power level of motor vehicles, might often be heard as motorists pass through the busy intersection of Ku'damm, Uhlandstraße, and Grolmanstraße, where Juhnke's Plaza will be located.
- On Kurfürstendamm, the stage where Harald Juhnke had numerous performances over the years, there might stand a plaza named after him, at the intersection where Juhnke's Plaza is planned to be built.
- The CDU, Greens, SPD, and FDP, who have collaborated in championing the proposal for Juhnke's Plaza, might discuss this cross-party application during their district assembly's next meeting on Thursday, on the anniversary of a plaza named after a significant figure in the arts.
