Exhibitions

Border Experiences: Everyday Life of a Divided Germany

From 11 Sep 2012 to 30 Dec 2012

12 September - 31 December. The original border control checkpoint known as Tränenpalast, or the "Palace of Tears", at Berlin’s Friedrichstraße station recalls the harsh realities of crossing the border in a once-divided Germany.

It hosts an exhibition displaying items such as personal documents, photographs, film and documentary interviews. Constructed in 1962, the building was the central terminal for westbound travellers until 1989.

During that time it became synonymous with sad farewells as people left their loved ones behind in East Germany, often uncertain whether they would meet again.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall the structure was used variously as a nightclub and theatre, until becoming a museum, and since 1993 it has been a listed building.

Tues-Fri 09.00-19.00. Sat-Sun 10.00-18.00