Revolution for German unity

Open-air exhibit traces fall of the Berlin wall

By Therese Iknoian | Photos by Michael Hodgson and Therese Iknoian

As a part of the developing “Campus for Democracy” at the former headquarters of East Germany’s state security, or Stasi, in Berlin, an open-air exhibit details the fall of the Berlin Wall and the peaceful revolution Berlin that helped bring about German unity.

Called Revolution and Mauerfall (“Fall of the Wall”), the exhibit occupies the courtyard of the former Stasi campus at Magdalena Street in Berlin’s Lichtenberg district. Overlooking it is the Stasi Museum Berlin and the newer Stasi Archives Berlin.

The beauty of this open-air exhibit is that it’s open 24/7 and is always free. Audio guides for the exhibits in both German and English, however, are only available during the open hours of the “Infopoint” informational center, from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Guides are available in German, English, Italian and French, plus there is a simplified audio guide available for children and young adults, all for just 1 Euro each. And group tours are available upon request.

Covering 1,300 square meters (nearly 14,000 square feet), the panels wind through the courtyard, telling the story with plenty of photos of the so-called peaceful revolution from the earliest protests and demonstrations to the fall of the Berlin Wall and German unity.

Find out more about this exhibit, its content and background at www.revolution89.de. The website is available in six languages, including German, English, French, Spanish, Turkish and Russian.

Other Stasi sights not to miss

As a part of your education on the Stasi, the Socialist SED party, and its activities, you can also visit:

In Berlin – The Stasi Prison Memorial site called Hohenschönhausen, where former prisoners lead moving, emotional tours (you can visit this memorial only on a guided tour). It is in the same general area as the Stasi Museum, about 2 ½ miles away, and also accessible on the tram or bus, in an area of town that was called the “prohibited district” since it did not appear on any maps during East German times! Read our story about the Stasi prison memorial site Hohenschönhausen Memorial – Reliving the Stasi prison horrors.
In Leipzig – Leipzig, located south of Berlin, is where the Stasi had another of its headquarters. Leipzig was one of former East Germany’s most important industrial cities. The Stasi Museum Leipzig is well worth a visit. To learn more, read our story Stasi Museum Leipzig – Inside the Stasi reign of terror.

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Heads up! This information on the Open-air Exhibit was accurate when we published it on HI Travel Tales, but, as we know, traveling is all about changes (and inflation, sadly). It is your sole responsibility to confirm prices, transportation schedules, hours of operation, safety and health considerations, and any other important details before your adventure.

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Find out more about this exhibit, its content and background at www.revolution89.de. The website is available in six languages, including German, English, French, Spanish, Turkish and Russian.