It was built as a temporary exhibition space and viewing platform for the Humboldt Forum construction project and to inform the public about its future use.

The company Megaposter was awarded the contract for construction of the Humboldt Box in September 2009, with the financing secured through future advertising revenue.

It has been called an "ugly block" with the "charm of a dumpster";[11] Thomas Flierl, urban development spokesman for Die Linke Party, feared the box could evolve into a "monument to failure."

"[15] Various quarters also criticized the building's architecture, height and location at the very apex of the boulevard Unter den Linden, stating that the street seemed cordoned off with this construction and the view of the Berlin Cathedral was partially obstructed.

"[16] However, after it opened, World Compact summed up the Box: "a building like this in the center of town, with its asymmetric cubism and bright turquoise color scheme, will naturally provoke criticism, but the public will certainly be quite enthusiastic.