The building was designed by Friedrich August Stüler with details by Carl Busse, in an architectural style that is a mix between late Classicism and early Neo-Renaissance, and realised by Heinrich Strack. It was intended to express "the unity of art, nation, and history", and therefore has aspects reminiscent of a church (an apse) and a theatre (the grand staircase) as well as a temple.
The building was designed by Friedrich August Stüler with the assistance of Carl Busse in an architectural style that blends elements of late Classicism and early Neo-Renaissance, realized by Heinrich Strack who aimed to express "the unity of art, nation, and history" through its design. The structure incorporates features reminiscent of a church (an apse) and a theatre (a grand staircase), as well as those of a temple.