GERMAN HISTORY AND THE COLD WAR

Liberation and hope for some, defeat, disillusion and fear for others. World War II, unleashed by Germany, ends with the unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht on 8 May 1945. The Berlin crisis of 1948/49 makes it obvious: the Four-Power Government has failed. Germany becomes a divided nation. The Federal Republic of Germany emerges in the West, the German Democratic Republic under the dictatorship of the Socialist Unity Party (SED) in the East. The dispute between the superpowers USA and USSR exacerbates conflicts around the world. For the Germans, the division of the world into East and West has direct consequences: Berlin is a focal point of confrontation. With the building of the Wall in 1961, the SED cements the division of Germany.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY HISTORY

The Museum of Contemporary History displays the history of Germany from the end of World War II to the present. The historical background and origin of the two Germanys, the decades of German division and the history of reunified Germany are the focal points of the permanent exhibition. The exhibition follows the flow of contemporary history. It is constantly being optimized. In 2011, the revamped permanent exhibition was opened. Objects – documents, photos, sound recordings and film clips – these are the core of our exhibition. They are “witnesses” – historical records evoking memories of the past or inviting comparison with the present. More than 7.000 items are displayed over 4.000 square meters and the objects are placed in contemporaneous settings to create a “you are there” feeling.