The former Rudolf Virchow Hospital was built in 1906 as a medical complex  in pavillion style and was based on plans designed by the well-known municipal construction advisor Ludwig Hoffmann and by Virchow himself. It was the largest and most modern hospital of the German Empire.

At Augustenburger Place the obstetrics department and residential accommodation for the medical and nursing staff were situated around a courtyard. Leading from this courtyard the central avenue was bordered by trees that were transplanted in 1906 from the Tiergarten district, where they had stood in the vicinity of the Victory Column.

As a result of the heavy damage sustained during the Second World War, it was impossible to recontruct the entire medical complex's in its original form. The former gynecology department - which now houses the Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin - was rebuilt between 1983 and 1986 in accordance with plans by the Munich architects Werz, Ottow, Bachmann, and Marx. New annexes were added in the historical style of the original structure.

The beautiful stairway, a legacy of Hoffmann's original design, has been maintained and makes an imposing impression on visitors. The architects succeeded in creating new buildings and functional areas for the most modern medical techniques that are in perfect harmony with the original historical constructions. Artwork is exhibited in the stairway and from time to time concerts are performed here.