DDR-Museum
'Surprisingly Fun', 'Quirky', 'A Must See', and 'A Unique Perspective' are some expressions used to characterize the DDR Museum. This museum bills itself ‘one of the most interactive museums in the world’.
One element that makes the DDR museum unique is that it’s the only museum in Berlin that is privately rather than state funded.
What makes it even less typical of other museums is the overall theme. This is not only an art museum, or science museum, or a history museum. It is a museum of everyday life in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) while it was still part of the Soviet occupation.
Since opening in 2006, the DDR Museum became an overnight success and was nominated for a European Museum of the Year Award in both 2008 and 2012.
The DDR museum aims to deal with the question of what everyday life was like for the East German citizens who were cut off from the outside world by barbed wire, guard towers, and the Berlin Wall. Also, what was it like to live under constant surveillance?
Three themed areas: Public LIfe, State and Ideology, and Life in a Tower Block expands into 47 sub-topics inside the 1000 m2 permanent exhibition.
Popular exhibits include a simulated drive in an original Trabant P601 automobile, an authentic reconstruction of a five-room flat in a high-rise tower block, numerous interactive games suitable for young and old alike, the monumental fresco “In Praise of Communism”, a prison cell and a Socialist Unity Party conference table in the boardroom with a touchscreen.
The interactive, hands-on nature of the museum makes this a fun, memorable, and educational experience for all age groups.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesDDR-Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: Vera Britain Ufer, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 847123730
Official Website: DDR-Museum
DDR-Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
I visited on a weekday about one hour after opening, though it may have coincided with a school holiday, as the museum was quite crowded—particularly with families and lots of children. The museum is small but packed with fascinating information. However, when it’s busy, it can be difficult to navigate and fully view the exhibits, especially with many children as they tended to stay on exhibits for a long time. As a result, I didn't get to see many of them as I couldn't get close enough.
My favorite part was the recreation of a GDR apartment—it’s well done and easy to miss, as it’s located down a hallway near the exit and gift shop.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t return on a quieter day due to a short stay in Berlin. Entry was €10.15 with the Berlin Welcome Card discount. There’s also a clean, modern restroom on-site, which is a nice bonus.
Jen Yip - 2 weeks ago
This museum is a must! It is interactive so kids get engaged as well. It is a bit small so it can get crowded by times but it is amazing! It is also a very good option if you have a little bit of time in between other activities and you want to fill that space as it is doable in a short time (or not depending on how much you read, there is a lot of info). Our kids loved it and we had a great time, felt literally like time travel.
Itziar Azua - a month ago
The museum is smaller than I thought but full of information, items and exhibits of the former East Germany. The exhibits are very interactive! Absolutely love the remake of the kindergarten and people’s apartment to enhance visitor’s experience! Highly recommended!!
James - 3 weeks ago
Enjoyed how interactive and immersive this museum is for visitors. The info mostly accompanied with interesting graphics, statistics, photos, maps etc. I enjoyed how this museum conveys the ideology of socialism through its games such as the production game and voting box. There are also different rooms of a typical fully furnished DDR flat. We spent a good time in this museum and had fun so much learning, understanding of the Berlin’s past.
Swiss - 2 months ago
This museum was the best I went to in Berlin. Very immersive, informative and fun. Awesome gifts shop too. It was busy and the reception staff were a tad abrupt, but the museum itself was brilliant... especially the room sets.
will blanksby - 4 weeks ago
Directions
How to get to DDR-Museum by U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram Line(s): S3, S5, S7, S9, U2, U5, U8
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn or MetroTram Station(s): S Hackescher Markt, U Alexanderplatz
Hackescher Markt on the S-Bahn is about a 7 minute walk to the museum. Alexanderplatz ,served by 3 U-Bahn lines, is about a 10 minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, take a tram to the Spandauer Straße/Marienkirche stop – the M4, M5 and M6 lines bring you almost to the entrance.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near DDR-Museum:
Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: @bastique - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: @bastique - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: @bastique - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: @bastique - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: @bastique - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: @bastique - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: daniel0685 - cc license via Flickr
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