The Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse is an open-air memorial located in the Mitte district of Berlin, Germany. It commemorates the victims of the Berlin Wall and those who lost their lives trying to escape the divided city. The memorial consists of several sections, including the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial, the Chapel of Reconciliation, the Documentation Center and the Memorial Site of the Berlin Wall.
History of the Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial was created in 1998 to remember the victims of the Berlin Wall and to commemorate those who lost their lives trying to escape from the divided city. It is located in the former border strip between East and West Berlin, in the Mitte district. The memorial consists of several sections, including the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial, the Chapel of Reconciliation, the Documentation Center and the Memorial Site of the Berlin Wall.
Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial
The Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial is the main part of the Berlin Wall Memorial. It consists of the remains of the Berlin Wall, which includes the “Death Strip” and the wall segments, watchtowers and guard posts. It also includes a memorial park, which was created to commemorate those who died trying to escape from East Berlin to West Berlin. The memorial park includes monuments, sculptures, an observation tower and an information center.
Chapel of Reconciliation
The Chapel of Reconciliation is located in the former “death strip” of the Berlin Wall. It is a place of remembrance, reconciliation and prayer for those who lost their lives trying to escape from East to West Berlin. The chapel is a symbol of peace and hope and was built in 2000 to commemorate the victims of the Berlin Wall.
Documentation Center
The Documentation Center is located in the former border strip between East and West Berlin. It is a place to learn more about the history of the Berlin Wall, as well as the people and events that were part of it. The center includes exhibits, photographs, films, interviews, and other documents that tell the story of the Berlin Wall.
Memorial Site of the Berlin Wall
The Memorial Site of the Berlin Wall is located in the former border strip between East and West Berlin. It consists of a series of memorials, monuments, and sculptures that commemorate the victims of the Berlin Wall and those who lost their lives trying to escape the divided city. The memorials include a memorial wall, a monument to freedom, a monument to the victims of the Berlin Wall, and a sculpture of a wall.
Visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial is open to visitors year-round and offers guided tours, special events, and educational programs. Visitors can explore the memorial and its various sections, including the Bernauer Strasse Wall Memorial, the Chapel of Reconciliation, the Documentation Center, and the Memorial Site of the Berlin Wall.
Hours and Admission
- The Berlin Wall Memorial is open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
- Admission is free.
Getting There
The Berlin Wall Memorial is located in the Mitte district of Berlin. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including bus, train, and subway.