The Exhibition
Are we still living in a divided world?
We cannot understand the history of the 20th century without mentioning the philosophical, ideological, and geopolitical confrontation symbolized by the Berlin Wall. The exhibition deeply explores the repression carried out by the communist regime of the German Democratic Republic, while highlighting inspiring examples of ordinary citizens fighting for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
More than 30 years after its fall, the Wall remains a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our democracies against both old and new challenges, which continue to be our best guarantee for peaceful coexistence.
The Collection
The collection of over 200 original objects comes from more than 20 international institutions, such as the Berlin Wall Foundation, the Allied Museum, and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Among the most remarkable pieces are fragments of the Wall and personal items that Berlin citizens used for smuggling or communication across the Wall, testifying to the direct consequences of the two opposing systems.
Visitors will also discover objects reflecting the global dimension of the conflict, including those used for propaganda, espionage, and nuclear warfare. These items trace the social movements and events that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.
An international team of experts
Historians and researchers from the Berlin Wall Foundation under the creative direction of Musealia.
Chief Curators
Dr. Gerhard Salter
Chef du département de recherche et de documentation de la Fondation du Mur de Berlin lors du développement de l’exposition, il cumule plus de 20 ans d’expérience au sein de la fondation. Il obtient son doctorat en 2000, et devient chercheur associé au Mémorial du Mur de Berlin. De 2012 à 2016, il devient membre de la Commission historique indépendante sur l’histoire du BND. Il a également publié plusieurs ouvrages sur le ministère de la sécurité d’État, le Mur de Berlin, l’histoire des services secrets et le BND.
Dr. Christian Ostermann
Directeur du programme d’histoire et de politique publique ainsi que du projet d’histoire internationale de la guerre froide au Wilson Center à Washington, il est un historien primé et conseiller auprès de plusieurs musées commémoratifs de la guerre froide. Il a joué un rôle majeur dans l’exploration des archives de cette période. Son travail lui a valu le prix Richard Leopold en 2021 et le Harry S. Truman Book Award en 2022.
Curators
Independents
Tina Schaller
Stephan Kieninger
Berlin Wall Foundation
Cornelia Thiele, Phd
Sarah Bornhorst, Phd
Pia Eiringhaus
With the support of
Dr. Manfred Wichmann
Dr. Scott Krause
Interpretation Advisers
Paul Salmons
Leah Kharibian
Research Assistants
Yasmin Carli Albino
Henriette Albrecht
Sonja Hugi
Dominik Juhnke
Lysette Laffin
Alexander Paulick
Edo Schreuders
Lisa Weber
Paul Wernig
