Café Berlin on the Kurfürstendamm presents itself in 1955 in new postwar modernism: a broad façade with awnings, a curved lettering in the style of the period, and above it the widely visible neon sign “Dortmunder Union Bier” signaling hospitality and consumer enthusiasm. In front of the establishment, representative vehicles are parked—including an American Buick and a VW Beetle—embodying the mixed prosperity image of the emerging economic miracle (Wirtschaftswunder). The lively street scene with passersby and adjoining specialty shops (including an art gallery with reference to “European Art” and Asia-Egypt imports) points to the Kurfürstendamm as West Berlin’s revitalized shopping and entertainment district. Café Berlin stands exemplary for the function of West Berlin as the “showcase of the West”: gastronomy, consumption, and urban life were to demonstrate quality of life and systemic superiority in contrast to the East sector.