Press

Dear journalists,

Here you will find current press releases and press photos on our exhibitions and events available for download. Get an impression yourself and experience our exhibition.

Free admission for journalists

Journalists with a valid press card have free admission to our museum after prior registration. Please note the photo and video usage authorisation, which you can obtain here: presse@ddr-museum.de

We look forward to your visit.

Press dates and distribution list

Receive press information on our exhibitions and events as well as invitations to upcoming press events in good time.

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Contact

Press

T: +49 30 847 123 7-47

presse@ddr-museum.de

Images to download

Press releases

3 Mar 2025

Opening of the new »DDR Museum Depot« in Berlin-Marzahn

On 16 March, the DDR Museum celebrates the opening of its new depot in Berlin-Marzahn with a first public tour and a guided tour of the depot. Read more

6 Feb 2025

Exhibition »Playful GDR – toy classics from the East«

From 14 February to 17 October 2025, the new exhibition entitled »Playful GDR - Toy Classics from the East« will be on display in the foyer of the DDR Museum. Read more

10 Dec 2024

Dr Stefan Wolle leaves the DDR Museum

The scientific director Dr Stefan Wolle is leaving the DDR Museum after more than 18 years. Read more

16 Mar 2023

Reopening of the DDR Museum on 1 April 2023

Our new exhibition concept will be presented for the first time at the reopening of the DDR Museum on 1 April 2023. Read more

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28 Feb 2023

Illustrated book »GDR Daily Life in 200 Objects«

DDR Museum Verlag to publish the book »GDR Daily Life in 200 Objects«. Read more

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22 Dec 2022

Expected reopening of the DDR Museum by 1 April 2023 at the latest

The DDR Museum, damaged due to the destroyed aquarium »Aquadom«, had to close for repair work and is expected to open on 1 April 2023. Read more

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5 Nov 2020

DDR Museum publishes digital exhibition

On the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the DDR Museum publishes the online exhibition »Painting Utopia – ›In Praise of Communism‹« on Google Arts and Cultures. Read more

12 Oct 2020

DDR Museum is most popular sight in Berlin

Survey of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) among foreign tourists published Read more

25 Sept 2020

Press conference: »GDR in Objects 1949-1990. Leisure, Culture, Travel«

On the occcasion of the 30th anniversary of the Reunification, the DDR Museum presents the second volume of the trilogy »GDR in Objects 1949-1990« Read more

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9 Sept 2020

Special Exhibition »Palace of the Republic«

Berlin, September 10, 2020 – 30 years after its closure on September 19, 1990, the DDR Museum is showing the history of the Palace of the Republic and its location in a new, small special exhibition from September 24, 2020 to April 5, 2021 in the foyer of the museum. Admission to the special exhibition is free. »No place in Berlin has experienced such radical changes and re-evaluations in the past few decades as the area on which the Palace of the Republic once stood. The building, which opened in 1976, was intended to represent the DDR instead of the Hohenzollern castle that was blown up in 1950. The Palace with the people's chamber was the centre of state power, but at the same time also a palace of the people, « says Sören Marotz, who curated the exhibition together with Dr. Stefan Wolle. The small special exhibition gives an insight into important events of the much-discussed location from the demolition of the Berlin City Palace in 1950, the use and importance of the Palace of the Republic to the planned opening of the Humboldt Forum in the Berlin City Palace. Read more

7 Jul 2020

Press release and Invitation: »GDR in Objects 1949-1990«

DDR Museum publishes collection volume »GDR in Objects. Daily Life, Home, Consumption« on the occasion of its 14th anniversary Read more

19 Dec 2019

Invitation to press presentation: »Stasi – over and out!«

Launch of the card game »Stasi – over and out!« by Playing History on January 9, 2020, sponsored and supported by the DDR Museum and the Stasi Records Archive Read more

14 Nov 2019

Special exhibition »The DDR's Final Year – Start into the Uncertain«

»The DDR's Final Year – Start into the Uncertain« DDR Museum opens new special exhibition Read more

16 Sept 2019

On the (almost) forgotten traces of the Berlin Wall

19 Aug 2019

Long Night of Museum at the DDR Museum

On the 31st of August it's time again: For the Long Night of Museums, the DDR Museum will open its doors from 6 pm to 2 am. In addition to the permanent exhibition and the current special exhibition »My Trabi«, there will be an exciting programme that offers a whole lot of fun for young and old. Read more

12 Aug 2019

The DDR Museum welcomes its six millionth visitor

In our 14th year of operation, we have reached a new milestone in our history – our six millionth visitor. Read more

27 May 2019

Special Exhibition »My Trabi – 26 Two-Strake Stories«

Berlin, May 29, 2019 – The new special exhibition »My Trabi - 26 Two-Stroke Stories« tells 26 exciting stories in small showcases about the Trabant 601, the most driven car in the DDR. The exhibition will be on display in the foyer of the DDR Museum from June 12 to November 10, 2019. Admission to the temporary exhibition is free of charge. The number 26 runs through the history of the Trabant 601. He had 26 hp, a 26-liter tank and after 26 years its production ceased in 1990. The Trabant, in German »companion«, actually accompanied the life of many DDR citizens: first as a dream, then, after a waiting period of up to 16 years, as a new car, unless you bought a used car for a high surcharge. »The car was also a status symbol in socialism and it promised a little freedom in a country without freedom. No other car has loaded in his trunk as many memories as the ›cardboard‹, comparable at most to the VW Beetle in the Federal Republic, « says curator Sören Marotz. After a call in March 2019, people from all over Germany came to tell the DDR Museum their personal Trabant story. All in all, 26 of these memories can now be found in the temporary exhibition. Titele: My Trabi - 26 Two-Stroke Stories On display: June 12 until November 10, 2019 Venue: Foyer of the DDR Museum, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin Curators: Sören Marotz, Head of Exhibition DDR Museum, and Dr. Stefan Wolle, Head of Research DDR Museum Texts: German and English Admission: Visit of temporary exhibition in the foyer is free of charge Read more

22 May 2019

Newly designed 0 Euro Souvenir Note

DDR Museum publishes sixth, newly designed edition of the 0 Euro Souvenir Note Read more

29 Oct 2018

Temporary Exhibition »Born in ‘89 – Children of the Change«

Berlin, October 30, 2018 – The new special exhibit "Born in ‘89 – Children of the Change" will open on the evening of the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in the visitor centre of the DDR Museum on November 9, 2018. The small exhibit is comprised into two sections: one containing exciting biographies and displays of people who were born in the last year of the DDR with the other section highlighting important objects of 1989. We often talk about the generation which was marked by the fall of the Wall and the reunification of Germany. But what has become of the children of the German unification, called "Wendekinder" in German, who were born in the DDR? This exhibit portrays how the lives of 16 young adults born in 1989 were influenced by the country and government they never truly lived under. How did Germany's reunification shape their lives? What do they expect from their lives in today's East Germany? “We were surprised by the variety of displays proposed and the stories that came with them. They tell of the origin, the development and the dreams of the protagonists,” says Dr. Stefan Wolle, head of research at the DDR Museum and one of the exhibit’s two curators. Title: Jahrgang ‘89 – Die Kinder der Wende (Born in ’89 – Children of the Change) Opening: 09.11.2018, 7:00 pm in the visitor centre of the DDR Museum Duration: 10.11.2018-28.02.2019 Place: Foyer of the DDR Museum, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin Curators: Sören Marotz, Head of Exhibition at the DDR Museum, with Dr. Stefan Wolle, Head of Research at the DDR Museum Admission for the Special Exhibit: Free Read more

31 May 2018

»DDR-Guide« as an eBook in five languages

The »DDR-Guide. A Companion to the Permanent Exhibition« is now available as an eBook in five languages. The book, which is both a guide through the interactive exhibition and a basic reference book about life in the DDR, is available in German, English, French, Spanish and Italian for 2.99 Euro in all popular eBook shops and in the online shop of the DDR Museum. Read more

19 Mar 2018

Special Exhibition »Love, Sex & Socialism«

Berlin, March 21, 2018 – From March 28, 2018 to July 31, 2018, the small special exhibition "Love, Sex & Socialism" shows in 26 thematic display cases exciting exhibits on issues of relationship as well as sexual education and eroticism in the DDR. It can be seen in the entrance area of the DDR Museum, directly opposite the newly refurbished foyer. The visit to the special exhibition is free of charge. The special exhibition seeks to trace the connection between the highly private interpersonal relationships and the ideas of the GDR state in terms of an all-embracing love. "Apparently, love and politics have little to do with each other. However, the ideological, social and economic conditions of the DDR deeply intervened in the area of gender relations, family planning and everyday life ", explains Dr. Stefan Wolle, head of research of the DDR Museum. "The party committed its members and beyond all the people of the DDR to love, devotion and eternal loyalty." With March 28, 2018 also the works in the foyer are finished. There are now three new dioramas to the social classes in the DDR – working class, working people and peasants – and "object of the month". There is a monthly changing disply showing an object from the more than 300,000 objects collection of the DDR Museum, which is presented to the visitors in more detail. Read more

24 Aug 2017

DDR Museum publishes new exhibition guide

Berlin, August 24, 2017 – The DDR Museum Verlag releases the »DDR-Guide. A Companion to the Permanent Exhibition« in English. For 5,90 € it is the perfect companion for visiting the interactive permanent exhibition of the DDR Museum. On 199 pages, it offers a wide range of information about the life in the DDR. 66 chapters, written by the DDR Museum’s experts, are complemented with over two hundred pictures and graphics. Particularly interesting aspects of the DDR-history are illustrated through the 17 central objects. Concise and entertaining yet informative text by the three authors take the readers on a short time travel to a bygone state. Hence, the »DDR-Guide« is the ideal attendant for visiting the DDR Museum. Simultaneously, it can be used as key literature about the life in the DDR. The »DDR-Guide« is released as one of the few books dealing with “The Life in the DDR” in foreign languages. The translation to Italian, Spanish and French is already planned. Title: »DDR Guide. A Companion to the Permanent Exhibition« 66 chapters on 199 pages, over 200 pictures and graphics Authors: Sören Marotz (Head of Exhibition), Elke Sieber (Research Assistant), Dr. Stefan Wolle (Head of Research) Available for 5,90 € in the shop of the DDR Museum and in regular bookstores Read more

14 Jul 2016

DDR Museum celebrates its 10-year anniversary

July 14th, 2016 – Since its opening on July 15th in 2006, more than 4.439.000 visitors have already enjoyed a hands-on experience of history in Berlin’s interactive museum. For the past 10 years and as one of the best-visited museums in the capital, the innova- tive exhibition of the DDR Museum shows everyday life in the German Democratic Republic with all its aspects. »On the occasion of such an anniversary, of course we will look back into the past. The future of the DDR Museum, however, also holds exciting things«, says the director of the DDR Museum, Gordon Freiherr von Godin. »At the moment, our research department with its Head of Research Dr. Stefan Wolle is working on an enlargement of the exhibition which we will present to the public on occasion of the Long Night of the Museums on August 27th, 2016.« Concerning the precise design of the exhibition, however, Gordon Freiherr von Godin remains in silence, but nonetheless reveals: »Following the tradition of the DDR Museum, tomorrow’s technology will transport our visitors into the world of yesterday«. During the past 10 years, the DDR Museum has received a number of awards: Nominations for the European Museum of the Year Award in 2008 and 2012 were an appreciation of the innovative and interactive approach of the permanent exhibition. In 2014, the DDR Museum received the »Geschichte erinnern – Gegenwart gestalten« (Remembering history – creating the present) award from the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung for its educational game »Bürokratopoly«. The four-millionth visitor was greeted in the fall of 2015 and the year was ended with a new record in visitor numbers, a total of 584.000 guests. Read more

FAQ for journalists

May I interview visitors at the DDR Museum?

In general, the DDR Museum does not mind if you ask visitors for their individual opinions. Please register your visit with the spokesperson and let us know in which journalistic setting the interviews should take place. Experience has shown that our visitors are happy to talk about their own experiences and impressions. However, please proceed with caution and do not pressure our guests into talking, in order to allow them an unimpaired exhibition experience.

Can I film during the opening hours of the DDR Museum?

Yes, but please bear in mind that the DDR Museum is always busy and there may be a lot of noise. Filming is only possible after prior consultation with the spokesperson. The only condition is that our visitors can use all our installations at any time. Therefore, no areas will be closed off or restricted.

We recommend that you plan a shoot before (between 7 and 9 am) or after the opening hours (from 9 pm).

Is admission free of charge for journalists?

Yes. If you show your valid press card at the ticket office, you will receive a free press ticket after accreditation. One press ticket will be issued per press card.

Can I take photographs in the DDR Museum?

Yes, if the photos are used exclusively for reporting on the DDR Museum. All other uses must be approved by the spokesperson.

How can I find an interview partner?

Several interview partners are available to you for reporting on the DDR Museum. Please always contact the spokesperson first for interview requests.

How can I receive updates from the DDR Museum?

You can subscribe for the press distribution list of the DDR Museum. Please register here for the press newsletter. You will then receive all press releases.

How can I film without visitors in the picture?

You can shoot at the DDR Museum by arrangement before or after the opening hours, from Monday to Thursday between 7 and 9 am or after 9 pm. If your filming is about reporting on the DDR Museum, your filming permission is free of charge. If you would like to use the museum in another context, e.g. as a backdrop, for photos/films or to shoot moderation contributions, this is also possible for a fee. Please contact the spokesperson for permission to film.

What are the lighting conditions like in the DDR Museum?

There is little natural light in the DDR Museum. For filming, you usually need additional artificial light sources. There are power sockets in several places in the DDR Museum that you can use.

Where can I find press images?

You can find press photos in printable quality here. You may use them free of charge for reporting on the DDR Museum. The copyright is »DDR Museum, Berlin 2022«. Any other use must be agreed in advance with the spokesperson. Please send an e-mail to presse@ddr-museum.de.

When did the DDR Museum open?

The DDR Museum was ceremoniously opened on 14 July 2006 by the then Senator for Culture and the Mayor. Since the first day of opening on 15 July 2006, it has already been visited by more than 6.5 million people from all over the world (as of 9/2020).

How did the idea for the museum come about?

On a trip to Berlin, the Freiburg ethnologist Peter Kenzelmann wanted to visit a DDR museum. He was convinced that one existed. At the tourist information office, he learned that there were memorials on the history of the state security and the Berlin Wall, but not a museum on the history of life under the GDR dictatorship. So the idea was born and it became clear that until then, museums only dealt with individual topics of the GDR, but did not explain the strong influence of the socialist state on all areas of life of its inhabitants.

Where do the exhibits come from?

Most of the exhibits come from private households. Thousands of different donors have preserved objects for posterity. Some of the exhibits are on permanent loan. Others, such as the Trabant car, were purchased.

How many objects does the DDR Museum own?

The collection of the DDR Museum currently comprises over 300,000 objects (as of 1/2022). These are kept separately from the exhibition in a depot that is not accessible to the public for security reasons.

Can I shoot in the depot of the DDR Museum?

For security reasons, the depot is not open to the public. Therefore, it is only possible to photograph or film there in exceptional cases and after specific arrangements have been made.

However, we will be happy to provide you with printable press photos from the depot.