Berlin Wall artwork in search of restoration funds.

08 Aug, 2007

Painted onto the concrete by over 100 artists from 24 countries in the heady days that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, the East Side Gallery has become a popular attraction for visitors to the re-united German capital. However, the 1.3-kilometre stretch of brightly-coloured wall along the River Spree near the Ostbahnhof railway station is badly in need of restoration as weathering and pollution have taken their toll. Funds have been made available by the local authorities only for the restoration of the wall itself, which would involve the destruction of the paintings on the surface. Repainting would be feasible, but the original artists are still on standby while a search for private finance and government permission is underway. An estimated total of