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The Wartburg 353 – A mid-range car in the GDR

The article tells the story of the Wartburg 353, from its role as the GDR’s modern mid-range car to the late introduction of the Wartburg 1.3 and the end of production in 1991. It also features an example from our collection. Read more
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20 Years of the DDR Museum – An unforgettable Birthday Party

In this article, we look back at the DDR Museum's 20th anniversary celebration, share the highlights in a photo gallery, and provide links to the artefacts featured in our DDR quiz. Read more
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A Country in a Container – The Disposal of East German State Symbols

On the night of 2 October 1990, the GDR – and with it its state symbols – ceased to exist. This special exhibition examines their legacy and explores how these relics continue to shape our memories to this day. Read more
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The colossus in the park – The Thälmann monument in Berlin

This episode of »Orte Ost« (Places of East Germany) visits the controversial Ernst Thälmann monument in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district and explores Thälmann, his history and his role in the culture of remembrance. Read more
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Combined leadership of »party and state«: On the trail of power

Who made political decisions in the GDR – and who implemented them? The combined exhibition »Party and State« at the GDR Museum and in urban spaces shows the close connection between the SED and the state apparatus. Read more
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Propaganda posters – everyday companions in public spaces in the GDR

The section of the exhibition on propaganda in the GDR focuses on propaganda posters. It shows how visual agitation shaped public space and what messages the state used to influence people's thinking and everyday life. Read more
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Departure for Utopia – Visions of the future from the GDR

The special exhibition »Departure for Utopia – Visions of the Future from the GDR« focused on the socialist belief in progress, technology, and a better future. This blog post provides a summary review. Read more
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Lenin and his retrospective assessment in the GDR

Although Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, better known by his nom de guerre Lenin, died in 1924, his theories and actions had a decisive influence on the GDR and its development. Read more
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The economy of scarcity, or what was available to buy in the GDR

The new exhibition area at the DDR Museum shows why money was not everything in the GDR and how the socialist planned economy affected people's everyday lives. Read more
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Love, Sex and Socialism

How did people love in the GDR – politically, privately, physically? The blog looks at grand gestures ranging from brotherly kisses to love letters, while also offering a concise review of the successful special exhibition on the theme of love. Read more
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From scraps of paper to mountains of files – the long aftermath of the Stasi files

The Stasi files remain a symbol of the SED dictatorship’s surveillance. How they are managed continues to shape how GDR history is reappraised. This blog explores the long and difficult process of confronting this legacy Read more
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The party table as a symbol of power

The blog post highlights the party table as a central symbol of power in the GDR. It shows how hierarchies, ideology and bureaucracy were structured at the level of political functionaries. Using the original object from our exhibition, the logic of the GDR's state structure becomes comprehensible. Read more
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Combined tour of »Karl-Marx-Allee«: From prefabricated buildings to workers' palaces

Karl-Marx-Allee, one of East Berlin’s most iconic streets, showcases socialist urban planning. A combined tour explores the GDR’s architecture, daily life, and culture. Read more
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Tanks at Checkpoint Charlie – The Cold War in October 1961

In October 1961, tanks faced each other at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. The standoff became a symbol of the Cold War and the threat of a third world war. Read more
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The GDR as a peaceful state – aspiration and reality

The GDR's claim to be a peaceful state stood in stark contrast to the reality of a highly militarised society. This was also illustrated by our special exhibition »The GDR as a peaceful state – aspiration and reality«. Read more
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The GDR and the Warsaw Pact – united invincible

The Warsaw Pact was the central military alliance of socialist states in Europe during the Cold War. Founded in 1955 in response to the admission of the Federal Republic of Germany to NATO, it had a decisive influence on the security policy orientation of the GDR. Read more
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GDR music charts – The Top 20 hits at our listening station

A highlight in our WBS 70 prefabricated apartment is the living room listening station with hits by Karat and Silly. Curious? Discover our list of the top 20 chart songs. Read more
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Simson, MZ & Co. – The two-wheeled forge of the GDR

Simson, MZ and IWL – icons of everyday life in the GDR. Today the legendary mopeds are back on the roads. Our blog reveals why they once fascinated so many and why they’re enjoying a comeback today. Read more
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10 objects from East Berlin – capital of the GDR

During the GDR era, East Berlin was the capital and centre of the country, while the western part was administered by the Allies. The construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 divided the city for decades. We are showcasing ten objects from this period in this blog. Read more
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Lesbian visibility in the GDR

Lesbian women were often overlooked and marginalised in the GDR. Nevertheless, they came together, organised meetings, and fought for visibility and equal rights. The blog post tells the story of their everyday lives and the challenges they faced. Read more