Before the modern buildings were constructed along the Kurfürstendamm, it would have looked something like this beautiful street, which is lined with detached town houses and renowned for its luxury boutiques and art galleries. At n°23, the attractive Literaturhaus, fronted by a garden, is an important centre of literary life in Berlin, hosting conferences, lectures and exhibitions. The centre is also home to the Café Wintergarten and has a bookshop in the basement.