is in the background. The Old Royal Stables () of the
Prussian Kings were constructed in 1670 to a design by
Johann Gregor Memhardt. As the role of
equerry grew and the stables reached 300 horses, as well as state carriages and sleighs, the buildings became inadequate. During the
November Revolution of 1918 the
People's Navy Division () was stationed in the building during the
1918 Christmas crisis, which involved fighting that cost 67 lives. On the establishment of the
Weimar Republic, the Neuer Marstall became the Berlin City Library and the old horse stables in the Spree wing were converted into a book depository. After
World War II the complex was mainly a ruin. It was partly repaired by the
East Berlin government from 1950–54 and then further restored in 1961–65. The triangular gable and sculptural details on the Palace facade were replaced with an
attic, resulting in a simplified appearance. The elaborate gable on the Spree side with the Horse Tamers sculpture group remained. ==Current use==