Indigo Berlin City East Side Gallery is an iconic outdoor art gallery located in the former East Berlin. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city and a must-see for anyone interested in art and history. The gallery consists of 105 murals painted on the Berlin Wall, which was erected in 1961 to separate East and West Berlin.
History of the East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery was created in 1990 after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The artworks were painted by 118 international artists and depict a variety of themes, from political to religious to personal. Many of the works are now considered iconic, such as Dmitri Vrubel’s “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love”, which is a reinterpretation of a photograph of a fraternal kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German leader Erich Honecker.
The gallery is located on the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall and is the largest open-air gallery in the world. It is a reminder of the peaceful revolution that brought down the wall and symbolizes the reunification of Germany.
Preservation of the East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a popular tourist destination, but it has also faced threats of destruction over the years. In 2009, the city of Berlin planned to demolish part of the wall to make way for a luxury apartment complex. However, the plans were met with fierce opposition and were eventually scrapped.
In 2013, the gallery was renovated and restored by a group of artists and volunteers. The restoration project included the removal of graffiti and the protection of the murals from further damage.
Visiting the East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is open to visitors every day from 10am to 6pm. Admission is free, and visitors can take photos and videos of the murals. There are also guided tours available for a fee.
Tours
- Guided tours are available in English and German.
- Tours typically last one to two hours.
- The tour includes a detailed explanation of the history of the East Side Gallery and the murals.
- Tours can be booked online or at the East Side Gallery ticket office.
Events
The East Side Gallery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, film screenings, and art exhibitions. The gallery is also a popular venue for wedding ceremonies and photo shoots.
The East Side Gallery is a must-see for anyone visiting Berlin. It is a reminder of the city’s turbulent past and a symbol of hope for a brighter future.