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 help of Carl Busse, in an architectural style that combines elements of late Classicism and early Neo-Renaissance. It was built under the direction of Heinrich Strack, who aimed to create a structure that embodied "the unity of art, nation, and history." The design incorporates features reminiscent of a church (an apse) and a theatre (a grand staircase), as well as those of a temple.