DDR Museum receives 35 new objects from Saxony-Anhalt following appeal for donations

Berlin, 10 November 2025 – The response from the public was overwhelming: the DDR Museum received over 2,000 letters and offers of donations, as well as 500 items. The team was particularly pleased with the support provided by the Saxony-Anhalt State Administration Office (LVwA) in Halle an der Saale. In response to the appeal for donations, the authority asked all its employees to look for GDR treasures in their homes, basements, attics and garages. A total of 35 objects were collected and will now be made available at 11 a.m. on 19 November and added to the museum's collection.

The Saxony-Anhalt State Administration Office is thus making an important contribution to preserving the history of the GDR. Collecting and preserving GDR cultural assets is one of the museum's central tasks. The collection now comprises over 360,000 objects – and new ones are added almost daily. The museum has a spacious depot for the professional storage of the diverse everyday objects. Here, the scientific collection team works continuously to catalogue the extensive inventory.

The DDR Museum's nationwide appeal for donations formed the basis for a new installation with the title »Economies of Scarcity« that uses an animated screen to provide an impressive insight into everyday shopping and the provision of cars, travel, clothing and housing for the population. Numerous original exhibits frame the presentation and bring the consumer world of the GDR to life.

The official handover of the objects will take place on 19 November, to which we would like to cordially invite you.

Facts

What: Handover of the objects to the DDR Museum

When: 19 November, 11 am

Where: State Administration Office, Ernst-Kamieth-Str. 2, Halle, Foyer

We are happy to provide you with images from the meeting.

Contact

Simone Uthleb, Spokesperson, unter +49 30 847 123 7-47 or presse@ddr-museum.de