The East Side Gallery is a 1.3 kilometer long section of the Berlin Wall located in Berlin, Germany. It is the longest open-air gallery in the world and is home to over 100 original works of art by renowned international artists.
The gallery is located on the east side of the river Spree, just south of the Oberbaum Bridge. The artworks range from political and social statements to abstract works. Some of the most famous works include Thierry Noir’s 12ft high “Kissing Soldiers”, and Dmitri Vrubel’s “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love”.
The East Side Gallery was opened in 1990, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was created to commemorate the reunification of East and West Germany and to celebrate freedom and the end of the Cold War. Since its creation, the gallery has become a symbol of peace and unity, and a popular tourist destination.
In 2009, the East Side Gallery was declared a protected landmark, making it the longest protected memorial in the world. In 2013, the gallery was renovated and a “Living Gallery” was added, featuring interactive installations and events. The gallery also has a museum, café and shop.
The Artworks
The artworks at the East Side Gallery are divided into three categories: political and social messages, abstract works, and works with religious themes. Many of the works are satirical and are meant to be humorous, while others are more serious in nature. Some of the most popular works include:
- Kissing Soldiers by Thierry Noir – a 12ft high painting of two soldiers kissing, meant to symbolize peace and unity.
- My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love by Dmitri Vrubel – a painting of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker in a tender embrace.
- The Burning Wall by Birgit Kinder – a painting of the Berlin Wall engulfed in flames.
- The Bread Line by David Wojnarowicz – a painting of a line of people waiting for bread.
Preservation
In 2009, the East Side Gallery was declared a protected landmark, making it the longest protected memorial in the world. Since then, the gallery has been carefully maintained and regularly renovated to ensure its preservation. The gallery has also been the focus of a number of campaigns to protect it from development.
Restoration
In 2013, the East Side Gallery underwent a major restoration project. The project included cleaning and restoring the artwork, as well as creating a “Living Gallery” with interactive installations and events. The restoration was funded by the German government, the Berlin Senate, and private donors.
Protection
In 2015, the East Side Gallery was the focus of a campaign to protect it from development. The campaign was led by a group of artists, activists, and politicians, who argued that the gallery should be preserved as a memorial to freedom and the end of the Cold War. The campaign was successful and the gallery was declared a protected landmark.
Conclusion
The East Side Gallery is a unique and important landmark in Berlin. It is home to over 100 original works of art, and is a symbol of peace and unity. It is also the longest protected memorial in the world, and has been carefully maintained and regularly renovated to ensure its preservation. The East Side Gallery is an important part of Berlin’s history and culture, and a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
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