The Olympiastadion in Berlin was built between 1934 and 1936 by the architect Werner March for the 1936 Summer Olympic Games, which the Nazi government used as a propaganda showcase. The monumental limestone-clad stadium seats about a hundred thousand spectators and is surrounded by the Reichssportfeld complex, with a bell tower and a parade ground. The track and field events included the victories of the American sprinter Jesse Owens, which undercut Nazi claims of racial superiority. After the Second World War the stadium survived with limited damage and served the British occupation forces, and later it hosted the home matches of Hertha BSC. Renovated for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, it staged the final and also the World Championships in Athletics in 2009.
Before and after
- 8 July 1936Construction of Frankfurt Airport
- from 18 July 1936 to 1 April 1939Spanish Civil War
- from 21 July 1936 to 27 September 1936Siege of the Alcázar
- 26 July 1936Construction of Canadian National Vimy Memorial
- 1 August 1936Construction of Berlin Olympic Stadium
- from 3 August 1936 to 9 August 1936Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in Berlin
- from 19 August 1936 to 1 March 1938Moscow Trials
- 19 August 1936Death of Federico García Lorca
- 29 August 1936Birth of John McCain
More in Art, literature & culture
- 1925Rise of Art Deco
- 1 May 1931Construction of Empire State Building
- 1935Construction of Da Nang International Airport
- 28 May 1937Construction of Golden Gate Bridge
- 20 May 1940Construction of Auschwitz
- 6 April 1943Publication of The Little Prince
The era
This moment belongs to the Modern era (1914 CE to 1945 CE), world wars and a changing world. You can also browse everything in the 20th century.