Journey back to the DDR
Experience a lively and interactive exhibition based on sound academic research. The permanent exhibition of the DDR Museum introduces its visitors to the history of life in the socialist DDR. Visitors are invited to extend their knowledge through direct engagement with historical sources, objects and images. We do not hide all of our exhibits behind glass but instead encourage our visitors to touch, hold and interact with a range of objects and installations.
East German citizens were cut off from the outside world by a wall and barbed wire; the Ministry for State Security exercised blanket surveillance. What was everyday life like in the DDR? Our exhibition answers this question with 47 topic areas spread out over an exhibition space of over 1000 m². The DDR Museum is the largest, most interactive and diverse exhibition focusing on the DDR in Berlin .
A nation and its heroes – 25 tales from the DDR
From 28 April to 31 October 2022, the special exhibition »A nation and its heroes – 25 tales from the DDR« will be on display in the foyer of the DDR Museum, portraying well-known and unknown personalities whose deeds are part of the history of the bygone state. Admission to the special exhibition is free of charge.
It presents not only the (success) stories of »people's heroes«, e.g. Olympic champion Katarina Witt or cosmonaut Sigmund Jähn, but also stories of »antiheroes« who often risked their career and freedom, such as Robert Havemann or Frieda Spitzbarth, who protested in 1964 in a letter to Walter Ulbricht against the demolition of the Leipzig University Church. A third group are the »republic's heroes«. People like the miner Adolf Hennecke, who exceeded the production standard by 387 percent in 1948, or the racing cyclist Gustav Adolf »Täve« Schur served as role models and socialist ideals for state propaganda.
The range of topics covered by the exhibition of the DDR Museum makes it the perfect introduction to a complex topic. Visitors leave our exhibition enthused and informed, learning not just through the objects with which they come into contact, but profiting from our unique multi-sensory hands-on experience and interaction with a range of exhibits.
A prize-winning Exhibition
The innovative design of the DDR Museum has earned it two nominations for the prestigious »European Museum of the Year« award. A survey of international visitors conducted by the German National Tourist Board established that we were the most popular museum amongst foreign tourists. But don’t just take our word for it – come and see for yourself!
A family-friendly museum
The DDR Museum is accessible to all members of the family, bringing different generations together in a shared experience. The many opportunities for playful interaction, ensuring that children and teenagers enjoy what remains a highly educational experience.