From MZ to Simson – two-wheeler legends live in Leipzig
Berlin, 8. May 2024 – The bright red and sky-blue paintwork almost outdoes the chrome of the handlebars: starting on 16 May, historic motorbikes will bring the history of two-wheelers back to life in Leipzig’s Allee-Center. In a stunning special exhibition to run in Grünau until the end of July, the DDR Museum Berlin will present over 30 mopeds, scooters, and motorbikes »made in East Germany«. The centre’s rotunda will turn into the motodrome of an entire road era.
The MZ ETZ 250 »de Luxe« certainly lives up to its name! Dating back to 1983, the bright red motorbike with fairing even looks elegant from a distance. Altogether, the company MZ will be represented in Leipzig by eight motorbikes. Several Simson models – now revered as a cult brand – will also be on show at the Allee-Center. The »GS 75 Enduro« sports bike will be there alongside the Spatz, Star, Schwalbe, Sperber, and Habicht mopeds from Simson’s so-called »bird series«. The MZ sidecars are considered a particular highlight, whether the BK 350 from 1958 in silver and red paintwork or the blue-and-white ES 250/2 dating back to 1970. Complemented by a few more historic two-wheelers and objects, this exhibition promises visitors an eye-opening experience.
All of the motorbikes come from the DDR Museum in Berlin – one of Germany’s most popular museums – which has already been nominated twice for the European Museum of the Year award for its innovative exhibition design. Fred Richter, the special exhibition’s curator, has also come up with an innovative concept in which to present these stylish, historic two-wheelers: 15 of the motorbikes, mopeds, and scooters will be exhibited on a large pyramid placed at the rotunda’s centre. Gordon Freiherr von Godin, the DDR Museum’s CEO, is looking forward to the special exhibition at the Allee-Center in Leipzig: »We are delighted to be able to present some objects from our fantastic collection here for the second time and we’d like to thank the curator for making this incredible selection. Right here, today, we can see the fruits of our collaboration.«
Together with the team at the centre, Freiherr von Godin will open the exhibition on 16 May at 11 am.
The DDR Museum takes a very active role in providing historical education and regularly holds themed events, such as readings, theatre, concerts and panel discussions at its premises in Berlin. According to the manager of the Allee-Center, this event diversity suits the centre just right: »This long-standing cooperation with the DDR Museum combines the best of two worlds: consumption and design.«
The centre already made a name for itself as a presenter of German historical themes last year with its exhibition of bicycles made in the region’s former factories. To the motto of »Born duu bie weild!«, a diverse entertainment programme will support the exhibition of these flashy and sparkling technical beauties. At 4 pm every Friday and at 11 am on Saturday 18 May and Saturday 8 June, visitors are invited to join experts on guided tours and discover some interesting details about the two-wheelers; each tour lasts approximately one hour. Visitors are also invited to a photo shoot with instant printouts at the Simson Fotopoint on Saturday 28 June from 12-noon to 6 pm. During the centre’s normal opening hours, however, everyone is welcome to pose in front of the motorbikes and take selfies to their heart’s content.
Anyone wishing to take a piece of GDR history home with them will also have the opportunity purchase some interesting and, in part, fun items from the DDR Museum shop on location at the Allee-Center in Leipzig. Gordon Freiherr von Godin: »The memories of everyday life in the GDR, regardless of age group, are reflected in the product world of our shop articles. We wish the Allee-Centre lots of interested visitors and look forward to more exhibitions in the future«.
The facts
What?
Born duu bie weild! – East German motorbike exhibition
When?
16 May – 29 June 2024
Monday – Saturday, 10am – 7pm
Who?
Allee-Center Leipzig
Ludwigsburger Straße 9
04209 Leipzig
www.allee-center-leipzig.de
Contact
Simone Uthleb, spokes person, phone 030 847123747 or email presse@ddr-museum.de
