Visit the DDR Museum Berlin- An Interactive Museum of East Germany

Perhaps it’s because I loved the TV show Deutschland 83 and the film Goodbye Lenin, or maybe it’s because I’m forever haunted by the thought that a city can be divided by a Wall. It could even be the wild wallpaper, but the DDR Museum in Berlin ranks among my favorite German museums. This little hands-on museum offers a fascinating look back into the not-to-distant past to a time when there were two Germanys. But it’s not just a museum about politics, and it’s certainly not a museum about how “terrible” life was behind the Wall. The Berlin DDR Museum offers a look into everyday life, including the products people used, sports, education, food, and the way German people lived during this period.

The good, the bad, and the outrageous wallpaper.

Note: And this is important. This museum is not designed to mock or belittle East Germany. It’s a time capsule showing pieces of life. Many of us, me included, had family in East Germany. Contact was limited. I view the exhibits here much in the same way that I look at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. It’s a museum of objects that represent a time and place. A Time Capsule. It’s neither an endorsement nor a condemnation.

The Wohnzimmer Schrank

Note- All photos were taken by me, and are the property of GermanGirlinAmerica.com

DDR Museum Berlin

The Spree river flows around Museum Island, and there, behind the Berlin Dom, on the opposite riverbank, you will see a line-up of open topped tour boats, restaurants. Below sidewalk level, and down along the water almost hidden, is the blue sign for the DDR Museum. When I visited, it was a holiday week, and the line outside was a bit long, but my daughter assured me that the wait was worth it.

She was right.

I could already see the Trabant in the window. Some people were climbing in and “driving” it, others were thunking their hands on the fenders with a look of in-credulousness. I needed to get closer.

The Berlin DDR Museum comprises several large rooms, divided by banks of cabinets, each with a specific theme. The cabinets have open windows filled with things, drawers you can pull out and peek into, and some doors that you can open and inspect. Inside, you will find everything from potty chairs to schoolbooks. You are really encouraged to get involved, not just read. It isn’t a ‘passive’ museum. You can’t touch everything. Much of it is now behind glass, but there are still plenty of ways to interact with the museum.

The star attraction, of course, was the Trabant. Because the museum was a bit crowded, there was a line to get inside it, but interestingly enough, no one was pushy. When it’s your turn to climb in, you have the option to activate a sort of video game to “drive” through Berlin. The kids (of all ages) really loved this. Getting my hands on the steering wheel, looking over my shoulder to the back seat, feeling the buttons and knobs, it is incredible that these little cars even ran! And frankly, it’s amazing that despite all the people in and out of the car throughout the day, everything remained intact!

But there was more to see than the car. The daycare room set up perfectly, as if waiting for children to arrive. A woman sat in the corner, explaining the childcare system. Books were on the shelves, as were colorful toys. And I love the multi-child push chair!

 The store shelves were stocked with products. Exactly like you would see in the store at the time (you can still buy some of these products today!)

On the other side of the museum was an apartment, set up exactly as it would be if you were to move in tomorrow. The “Schrank” in the living room, complete with TV. Beds made with feather beds. The Kitchen had the kettle on the stove, and food in the fridge. And the bathroom. Oh, those German bathrooms of the 60s.

The Wohnzimmer Schrank

 

I absolutely loved the WALLPAPER! Who else remembers these patterns?

And of course, the Sandmännchen!!! Read more about him here–> Sandmännchen!

Everyday Life in the DDR

That is what makes the Berlin DDR Museum so special. It celebrates the everyday. From the plastic chicken Egg Cups to the cans of Rotkohl. From puppet theaters to string shopping bags. These are things that people used. It wasn’t just about politics; it was about home and making the best of what your home is. The Germans in the East were still German, and even though there were some Russian influences, the cookbooks and the love of Fußball are still strong.

Politics in the DDR Museum

Because politics and the Stasi were such a central feature of life in the DDR, the museum also features segments devoted to them. A table in an interview room. A telephone at a desk. Maps and reminders of what happened when people stepped out of line against the rule of the land. But the DDR Museum in Berlin isn’t ABOUT that… It’s about life. So every object or display about politics was more than balanced by clothing catalogs (oh, those fashions!) and vacation photos.

Visiting the DDR Museum in Berlin

Because I visited Berlin during the Easter Holidays, there was a line, and the museum was quite crowded. Plan a visit for mid-week or in the morning. It’s not a big museum, so you can actually zip through in an hour (or less). I suggest you linger a bit and stay longer. Don’t expect it to take up your afternoon.

Just inside the door, there are lockers to store your personal items. You do want your hands free to open and touch! And, of course, there is the obligatory gift shop where you can buy egg cups, postcards, and pieces of the Berlin Wall. I swear, all those authentic pieces of the Wall. It must have extended to the moon and back!

DDR Museum Tickets

Buy advance tickets here DDR MUSEUM TICKETS

Why visit the Berlin DDR Museum?

The Berlin DDR Museum is an interesting and nostalgic look back. I think it’s well worth the experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get a feel for life at that time. Then, go up onto the banks of the Spree, sit down in one of the many cafes that line the Promenade, and relish the world we live in now.

The History of East Germany

Katja Hoyer’s “Beyond the Wall: A History of East Germany” is an engaging look at the history of the DDR.

Beyond the Wall: A History of East Germany

Books for Your Berlin Trip

I’m a reader, so I always like to prepare with a book or two about the area I’m visiting. Also, I trust the DK Travel Guides to give good information about where to go and what to see.

DK Berlin (Travel Guide)GDR-Guide: A companion to the permanent exhibition

More ideas for your visit to Berlin