Journal of hunting

»Everything is available«, people used to say, »just not at all times and not everywhere, especially not when you need it.« The GDR did indeed produce many high-quality products and was, economically speaking, the most developed member of the Eastern bloc. However, once you entered the stores or the small supermarkets, there was hardly any sign left of the economic power of this socialist country.

"My favourite exhibit in the permant exhibition, because it's unique and revealing!"

Robert Rückel, director

The reason behind this shortage was the planned economy, which resulted
in a rather inefficient production and lots of red tape. All products were allocated by the government, with many a product arriving in the wrong place. Some products hardly ever reached the consumer, the reason being that they were destined to be exported.

Ingeborg Lüdicke documented this shortage alsmost daily - her diary of shortage is a unique exhibit, because it shows, what not have been there.