DDR Museum publishes final volume of trilogy »GDR in Objects 1949–1990«
Berlin, 4 March 2026 – With the third volume of the series »GDR in Objects« entitled »Work, Economics and Politics«, the DDR Museum concludes its comprehensive series of publications on its own collection. The trilogy, edited by managing director Quirin Graf Adelmann and director Gordon Freiherr von Godin, offers a well-founded and nuanced insight into the material culture of the German Democratic Republic.
This volume focuses on key areas of society in the GDR, such as ideology, political power, the economy, agriculture, education, communication and healthcare. The ten chapters are divided thematically into areas such as »View of history«, »Structures of power«, »Industry and the world of work« and »Armed forces«. Each chapter is preceded by an introduction that contextualises the topic and explains historical connections.
The volume features over 1,000 colour photographs with detailed descriptions of the objects. Thirty-three objects have been given special emphasis in terms of images and text, selected for their significance, originality or the stories associated with them. The spectrum ranges from a ballot box to an FDJ shirt and a police motorcycle to a 1-megabit memory chip and the contraceptive pill Ovosiston. It is precisely the everyday objects – such as a simple plywood box – that tell an impressive story about the political and social realities of the GDR. This box was a ballot box used in sham elections whose results were predetermined. It is an example of political conformity.
The third volume is being published one year after the move to the new depot of the DDR Museum in Berlin-Marzahn. The modern building in the eastern part of the city meets the highest conservation standards and is also part of an expanded educational programme. The aim is not only to preserve the historical collection, but also to make it accessible and tangible for visitors.
With the volume »Work, Economics and Politics«, the DDR Museum once again demonstrates its commitment to making history understandable and accessible from the perspective of everyday life. The trilogy is aimed at anyone who wants to gain a nuanced understanding of the history of the GDR and is also accessible to an international audience thanks to its German-English texts.
Facts
Editors: Quirin Graf Adelmann v.A. | Gordon Freiherr von Godin
Authors: Dr. Stefan Wolle | Quirin Graf Adelmann v.A.
Title: GDR in Objects 1949–1990. Work, Economics, Politics
Publisher: DDR Museum Verlag GmbH
Illustrated book | Non-fiction 24 x 34 cm | 408 pages | Hardcover | Full colour throughout
Price: € 49.00
ISBN: 978-3-939801-68-9
Language: German/English
Publication date: 1 April 2026
