When visiting Berlin, a must-see is the Berlin Wall Memorial. This memorial is dedicated to the memory of the people who were killed or injured while trying to escape from East Germany to West Germany when the Berlin Wall was still standing.
What can you do at the Berlin Wall Memorial?
The memorial consists of two parts: the open air exhibition and the Documentation Centre (indoor).
The open air section is made up of a path that follows the route of the Berlin Wall, and along this path are various information panels that explain the history of the wall and the people who attempted to escape.
The Documentation Centre contains a museum with exhibits about the history of the Berlin Wall and the people who were affected by it.
The open air exhibition
The outdoor section of the memorial features a section of the original Berlin Wall, as well as a series of murals and sculptures. Visitors can also learn about the history of the Berlin Wall and the events that led to its fall.
The Documentation Centre
The Documentation Centre is the heart of the memorial. It is the place where the events of the German division and the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 are documented and remembered.
The Documentation Centre is also a research centre and a museum. It collects, preserves, and makes accessible material on the history of the Berlin Wall and the Peaceful Revolution. The centre is located in the former Death Strip between the inner and outer walls.
The centre is divided into 4 sections; The Wall and Death Strip, Destruction of the City, Building the Wall, and Everyday Life at the Wall.
Information for schools
The memorial offers educational resources for school groups. It also offers a variety of resources for educators, including lesson plans and activity sheets. The Berlin Wall Memorial is an important resource for schools that are looking to teach their students about this dark period in history.
How long does a visit take?
The memorial is spanning over a kilometer of the former East-West divide. Visitors can explore the memorial grounds at their own pace, but there are also guided tours available. The tour takes about an hour and a half, and covers the history of the Berlin Wall, as well as the stories of those who were affected by it.
How much does it cost to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial?
While there is no charge to visit the memorial, donations are always welcome and help to support its continued operation.
Please note that there is a small price for tours (but no charge for pupils).
How to find the Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial is located in the heart of the German capital, close to where the wall once stood. To reach the memorial, take the U-Bahn to Bernauer Strasse station and follow the signs.
The memorial is open daily from 9am to 8pm.
In Conclusion
Visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial is a moving experience, and it is a great way to learn more about the history of this important time in German history.