East Side Gallery — Attraction in Berlin

The East Side Gallery in Berlin is a remarkable open-air gallery that stretches over 1.3 kilometers along the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Established in 1990, it features more than 100 murals painted by artists from around the world, transforming a symbol of division into a canvas of unity and hope. Walking along the gallery, visitors encounter a diverse array of artworks, each conveying powerful messages about freedom, peace, and reconciliation. Notable pieces include Dmitri Vrubel's "My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love," depicting the famous fraternal kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German President Erich Honecker. The gallery is easily accessible, located near the Ostbahnhof and Warschauer Straße stations, and is open to the public 24/7 without any admission fee. It's advisable to visit early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially around the more popular murals. (Condé Nast Traveler) While the East Side Gallery stands as a testament to artistic expression and historical significance, it faces challenges in preservation due to environmental factors and urban development pressures. Efforts have been made to restore and maintain the artworks, ensuring that this cultural landmark continues to inspire future generations. In summary, the East Side Gallery is not just a collection of murals but a living monument reflecting Berlin's journey from division to unity, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, and the enduring...

On 9th November 1989, the Berlin Wall, which had hitherto divided the GDR (East Germany under the Soviet Control and the FDR (West Germany under the US Control) crumbled down. However, the costs were dearly paid by the lives of students, politicians, farmers, common folks, labourers alike.

Within a year of the fall of Berlin Wall, 118 artists from 23 different countries were invited to paint their ideas, aspirations and dreams from the unified Germany, so that horrors of the World War and ideological divide cannot act as a Wall for future generations.

The outcome was this beautiful artwork, which now stands displayed at the vestiges of a Section of the Wall along the banks of the Spree river in Berlin.

While amidst the painted and graffiti encapsulated structure, one could see traces of bullet marks and wire panels and ditches that had once served as instruments of oppression, the larger message to the world remains that despite conflicts we as humans have the innate potential to heal and be kinder to those who may not speak our tongue, may not profess our faith or may not be affiliated to an ideology or a political party.

But no power on Earth, no amount of barbed fences, shooting squads or walls would come to oppress humanity which believes in love, tolerance and kindness.

In a world ridden with conflicts across sectors, let this wall remind us of the poignant message that even the most oppressed structures can be converted into...

Denunciation by 118 artists, who express with their works of art on the remains of the Wall, approximately 1300 meters long, human anguish and indignation, historical events and hope for a future with more love, understanding, peace and solidarity. A monument to the division of the city during the Cold War. Leonid Breznief's historic kiss to Erich Honecker, the last leader of East Germany and its Communist Party, during the course of the reunification of the "two Germanys" is typical. Nevertheless, there are more impressive or better works of Art if one follows the entire course of the remaining Wall. It is good to have water in your backpack with you because the area is walkable without many 24/7 shops or kiosks. Directly across the street is the Mercedes-Benz Arena, an amazing venue for music and other events. From the lower side of the Wall there is the river for moments of rest and tranquility with a view of the completely different side of West Berlin, which is actually to the South while East Berlin is to the North. Apart from taking photos in front of the works of the artists and the Wall, the East Side Gallery is an important point of visit to feel the historical journey of the city and its inhabitants. Don't miss it during your visit to the...