Blog

Topic filter

Looking for guidance experts!

We are looking for you!

10 Aug 2017 by Michael Geithner
As of now, we are looking for guidance experts, who can perform tours in Danish and/or French for the DDR Museum?
Read more

Zero-Euro-Banknote in the DDR Museum.

7 Jul 2017 by Melanie Alperstaedt
It's adorned with a big zero, nonetheless everyone wants a copy. The Zero-Euro-Banknote has arrived in the DDR Museum. How did this come about? Text by Nina Krasemann. (03.07.2017) Translation by Rebecca Hall. (07.07.2017)
Read more

The DDR Museum unpacked

#unboxingDDR - Pocket Calculator "konkret 200"

4 Jul 2017 by Praktikant
The DDR Museum presents the first unboxing series of historical objects. One minute clips show the diversity of original DDR artifacts. This time we unpack the pocket calculator "konkret 200", commentated by Head of Collection Jörn Kleinhardt.
Read more

Review

Schaufuß: Ferienzeit mit Spiel, Sport und Abenteuer

20 Jun 2017 by Praktikant
Thomas Schaufuß presents the different forms and uses of holiday camps in Germany, while mainly focusing on pioneer and company-funded holiday camps in the DDR.
Read more

Review

Wiebke Janssen: SED and youth in the 50s

16 Jun 2017 by Praktikant
The SED observed concernedly how the adolescents of the late 50s were drawn to Rock `n´Roll and studded pants. The aim of the socialist education was to mold youngsters into “new humans”. The party wanted to influence the first generation of the “Children of the Republic” through a restrictive and repressive policy. By Elke Sieber (08.06.2017) Translated by Lisa Laubner (09.06.2017)
Read more

What remains

The Schwalbe

15 Jun 2017
Nowadays, the moped »Schwalbe« is iconic. This article explores its history and survival through German reunification in more detail.
Read more

Event

What we wanted – what we are: Stephan Hilsberg speaks at the DDR Museum.

9 Jun 2017 by Praktikant
The DDR Museum welcomes Stephan Hilsberg and Dr. Christian Booß for a discussion on the turbulent final months of the DDR.
Read more

Cook yourself

Tasty barbecue recipes for men

31 May 2017 by Maria Bartholomäus
On occasion of Father’s Day, today we would like to present you some delicious grill recipes out of the DDR cookbook “Was Männer gerne kochen” (German for “What men like to cook”). But I am convinced that, during a barbecue for example, you will be able to impress the female guests, as well!
Read more

What remains

And what should stay? Thoughts on remembering the DDR

24 May 2017 by Elke Sieber
Until the present day, remembering the DDR has many diverse facets and the relics from the past are powerfully present, as they are still keeping it alive. Some thoughts on commemorative culture.
Read more

Karl Marx made of ceramics and Curry-flavoured peanuts: New products in the museum shop

18 May 2017 by Maria Bartholomäus
Whether you are looking for a gift, a souvenir or a little something for yourself – the museum shop of the DDR Museum holds a wide variety of products related to the DDR. In the following text we would like to introduce to you some of the special highlights.
Read more

Interview

"Die Normalität des Absurden" Interview with Dr. Heinz Schneider

18 May 2017 by Melanie Alperstaedt
A few weeks ago I had read the book „Die Normalität des Absurden“ from Heinz Schneider with great interest. I was pleasantly surprised to get the opportunity to interview him in person. Heinz Schneider and his wife Thea Schneider kindly offered to welcome me in their lovely flat in Mahlow! Here is the transcript of our conversation for you to read.
Read more

Architecture

Berlin - the Socialist city

10 May 2017 by Praktikant
After the Second World War, more than 30% of the housing stock, 85% of classrooms and 80% of hospital rooms in Berlin were destroyed. What was to rise up from the ruins of the capital? The Socialist Unity Party (SED) saw a chance to include the rebirth of the city into the newly founded German Democratic Republic.
Read more

History

Topic traffic: The Trabant

2 May 2017 by Maria Bartholomäus
The Trabant was the unchallenged symbol of everyday life in the DDR, meaning “companion” – and this car truly played a significant role in the life of many citizens of the DDR, just like a good friend. As a dream at first; for the waiting time for a new car was no less than 16 years, later as a status symbol, a set of wheels and hobby.
Read more

Review

"Die Normalität des Absurden" - Heinz Schneider

27 Apr 2017 by Melanie Alperstaedt
„Die Normalität des Absurden” tells the story of Heinz Schneider, who lived through two German dictatorships. Even though the book mainly focuses on his personal life, many universal themes are uncovered: how is one meant to behave in a dictatorship? How is our identity formed? How should the DDR be remembered?
Read more

Collection

Valuable additions to the collection of the DDR Museum

26 Apr 2017 by Maria Bartholomäus
The collection of a museum is never truly complete. In the following text we will introduce some objects which have been recently added to the collection of the DDR Museum.
Read more

Bake on your own

Easter bread

19 Apr 2017 by Maria Bartholomäus
Why do we necessarily need an easter basket made of plastic or another material to fill it with easter eggs and other treats?
Read more

Travel

Altenburg

31 Mar 2017 by Maria Bartholomäus
Altenburg is known worldwide as the city of playing cards and the game of skat. It is located in the county of Thuringia in the rural district Altenburger Land and is a former seat of royal power.
Read more

Magazin

“Sibylle” – the Vogue of the DDR

25 Jan 2017 by Miriam Schaptke
For women in the DDR, the “Sibylle” was an inspiration as well as an illusion at the same time. Artistically sophisticated photos made by recognized photographers such as Roger Melis, Günter Rössler or Sibylle Bergmann used to adorn the pages. Models were wearing chic clothes which were not available on the market, provoking seemingly utopian desires in the readers. The “Sibylle” was delivering the fabric of dreams!
Read more

Exhibition

The Bathroom: The perspective of the curator

17 Jan 2017 by Elke Sieber
As a curator, I would like to give you some insights into the bathroom of our museum’s Plattenbau apartment today.
Read more

Collection

The constitution of the DDR through the ages

11 Jan 2017 by Jörn Kleinhardt
Throughout its entire existence, the German Democratic Republic had a total of three valid constitutions. The original constitution is from 1949, the founding year of the DDR, and consists of 144 articles. Due to the political developments in the 1950s and 1960s a revision of the old constitution was inevitable.
Read more