Regierungsvierte in Berlin in Mitte, Germany — Northeast German Plain (The European Plain)
ARD Hauptstudio, Das Physikalische Institut
⎯⎯⎯
ARD Main Studio, Physics Institute
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 3, 2025
1. ARD Main Studio, Physics Institute Marker
An dieser Stelle befand sich bis 1945 das Physikalische Institut der Berliner Universität 1877/78 für Hermann Helmholtz gebaut, war es Wirkungsstätte bedeutender Physiker, darunter die Nobelpreisträger
James Franck Gustav Hertz Walther Nernst Wilhelm Wien
Max Planck begründete hier am 14.12.1900 in einem Vortrag de Quantentheorie
This building was constructed from 1996 to 1998 as the capital radio/television studio for the ARD by the joint venture SFB and WDP.
The Physics Institute of the University of Berlin was located on this site until 1945. Built in 1877/78 for Hermann Helmholtz, it was the home of important physicists, including Nobel Prize winners James Franck, Gustav Hertz, Walther Nernst, and Wilhelm Wien. Max Planck first presented the quantum theory here on December 14, 1900 in a lecture.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is December 14, 1900.
Location. 52° 31.118′ N,
this page online
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jakob Kaiser (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Pariser Platz 5 (about 240 meters away); Ebertstraße (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Pariser Platz (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Dieter Beilig (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Peter Fechter (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Chris Gueffroy (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Dieter Wohlfahrt (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berlin.
Also see . . . Max Planck: Originator of quantum theory (European Space Agency).
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 3, 2025
2. ARD Main Studio, Physics Institute Marker - wide view
While in Berlin, he became fascinated by the way energy from hot objects was emitted in variable quantities depending upon wavelength. A number of physicists had tried to find a mathematical description but no one had been totally successful. By combining equations derived by Wien and Rayleigh, in October 1900 Planck announced a result now known as Planck's radiation formula.(Submitted on September 22, 2025.)
Within two months, he explained why his formula worked – and it was a bold explanation. He renounced previous physics and introduced the concept of ‘quanta’ of energy. These are small ‘packets’ that can only hold certain, prescribed amounts of energy.
In December 1900, he presented his theoretical explanation involving quanta at a meeting of the Physikalische Gesellschaft in Berlin. In doing so, he had to reject his belief that the Second Law of Thermodynamics was an absolute law of nature.
At first his theory met resistance but, due to the successful work by Niels Bohr in 1913 calculating positions of spectral lines using the theory, it became generally accepted. The quantum theory was born. Planck himself said that, despite having invented quantumtheory, he did not understand it himself at first. Nevertheless, he received the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1918 for his achievement.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 3, 20253. ARD Main Studio, Physics Institute Marker - wider view
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 22, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
