This old-fashioned, wildly charming perfume shop is the place to go when grey skies leave your spirits flagging.
The silver-haired man behind the counter was the grandson of the founders. He seemed to know all the scents by heart. I was looking for a present. When I described my sister-in-law, he lifted a stopper and the air smelled like her.
Some of their scents have been sold since the 1920s; their newest, Potosi, was inspired by a brother who had spent time in Bolivia. Harry Lehmann's "Tulpe" (Tulip) was just the lift I need in late winter.
Harry Lehmann's high-quality perfumes are shockingly affordable: 10 ml cost around €4, with an extra euro or two for the glass bottle. On Saturday, March 19th, they'll be celebrating their 85th birthday. Everything will be 30% off. They'll be serving coffee. A new fragrance will be unveiled. You should go.
Harry Lehmann, Kantstraße 106, Berlin-Charlottenburg (map)
Open Mon-Fri 9am-6:30pm, Sat 9am-2pm
Tel. (030) 324 35 82
I'm always amazed how up to date you are with everything, not just places to eat. I'm still fighting off a sinus infection so the smell of flowers would surely do me good. Get well soon!
Posted by: Vanessa | 27 February 2011 at 09:08 AM
Oooo, to get inside your mind and steal your address book... : )
Posted by: Suzy | 27 February 2011 at 05:16 PM
It's funny. I had been looking for a place like this for forever. You always seem to be able to read your readers' minds!
Posted by: Daniel | 28 February 2011 at 09:05 AM
so many pretty bottles all in a row!
Posted by: jonquil | 28 February 2011 at 04:29 PM
I don't even like perfume but your photos and description make me want to check this out!
Posted by: Giulia Pines | 28 February 2011 at 07:00 PM
Oh shucks, you guys, enjoy! It's really a pearl.
Posted by: Berlin Reified | 01 March 2011 at 10:43 AM
this looks extra wonderful - and i've never even heard of the place... thanks for posting this!
Posted by: Kristina - no penny for them & mostly berlin | 01 March 2011 at 09:22 PM
I was trying to find out if Harry Lehmann still operated as they never reply to my e-mails anymore.
I bought perfume there when I rtaveled to Berlin years ago and they sent some to Canada for me afterwards but I haven't been able to reach them in awhile.
I'm guessing they are stil open as this is a recent post.
My boss will be traveling there in July and I will try and get him to buy me some "Akazie"
Posted by: Prudie | 09 May 2011 at 07:57 PM
I really love their bottles. So cool. I really enjoy looking at them.
Posted by: Paolo @ Perfume Collection | 18 March 2013 at 01:11 PM