The DDR Museum is a museum in the centre of Berlin. The museum is located in the former governmental district of East Germany, right on the river Spree, opposite the Berlin Cathedral. The museum is the 11th most visited museum in Berlin.
Its exhibition depicts life in the former East Germany (known in German as the Deutsche Demokratische Republik or DDR) in a direct "hands-on" way. For example, a covert listening device ("bug") gives visitors the sense of being "under surveillance". One can also try DDR clothes on in the recreated tower block apartment, change TV channels or use an original typewriter. The exhibition has three themed areas: “Public Life”; “State and Ideology” and “Life in a Tower Block”. Each of them is presented under a critical light: the positives as well as the negatives sides of the DDR are explored in this exhibition. A total of 35 modules illustrate these three themes: Media, literature, music, culture, family, private niche, health, equality, diet, childhood, youth, partnership, fashion, border, Berlin, tra c, education, work, consumption, construction, living, free time, vacation, environment, party, Ministry for State Security, economy, state, ideology, army, brother states, wall, opposition, penal system and authority.
Monday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
H Lee | Jan 21, 2018
The space is small and quite overcrowded after 6pm, when other museums are closed nearby, and this one remains open till 8pm. I felt like I was in a small section of modern times of a City's History museum. This is a new trend in a big city to recreate the typical apartment within the museum space. in the past decade. The attitude is almost like Urban Outfitters. Young visitors mainly, who has little to no memory of the Cold War times till 1980s. I don't find many in their 50~70s. The Entrance to the first historic part introduction is stepped, narrow and so crowded, I missed the whole concept of the DDR and it was more of the superficial glimpse of the days in the 1960~1980s throughout the exhibition. This has to be taken out to the larger Ticketing area to show the basic understanding of the museum. I felt like we were entering a crowded bookstore in the beginning. But, it was 3.5-4 star fun and entertaining as others say, but, what do I remember after the visit? Just a magic Wardrobe and a baby girl driver simulation, and, the socialistic salary charts. It did not sum up well. Were they accurate as the owner claims? Sure. But, still the glimpse to the small sections of the modernity in 20C. Entertaining 3,54, Educational 3, and, overcrowding and unable to access to the hands-on displays is very negative. The exit is covered with the pointless souvenir stuff, and, there was no seating for the older visitors. Still different from the rest of classical museums in the area. And, the night view to the dome and the sound of Eerie Crows hovering near the cathedral after 8pm was stunning from DDR museum side.
Mohammed Yahia | Jan 31, 2018
I enjoyed this museum much more than I thought I would. The presentation is very interesting, and it truly offers insight into life in Eastern Germany when the wall was up. We learned much, but all while having a lot of fun. It'll be especially relevant to anyone who grew up in a socialist country since there's much they would relate to. Highly recommended. And if you want to enjoy everything plan to spend at least a couple of hours here. I spent much more personally.
Nathan Andrieu | Jan 31, 2018
This museum doesn't seem so big at first sight, but you'll be surprised by the impressive quantity of things to see in there. Everything is really detailed, and the museum as a whole is super interactive which makes it so interesting. There are much more rooms than expected and you can literally touch everything which makes it more real. I strongly recommend to go there and spend a lot of time to explore everything there is to see.
Beatriz Collazo | Feb 7, 2018
This was a well-executed exhibit, permitting a step back into a time of stark contrast with the freedom that Westerners experience. A well-conceived and executed interactive experience. Worth the modest prove of admission and pretty full on an off day in November for our visit. Expect to learn a lot and take your time exploring, opening doors, and drawers. Impressive!
Selina Norgrove | Feb 23, 2018
Interactive and full of information. A real insight into East Berlin. Lots to look at and examine. A little small so if a lot of people come in it can get crowded so plan your time carefully. Loved it.
Aifric Paul | Apr 7, 2018
Good museum but the free English tour at 3 wasn’t worth it. About 50 people and only 1 guild I couldn’t hear anything. It’s better to walk around slowly yourself. It’s very interesting and the spy equipment and spy story’s are cool but there is a lot of reading which was a lot. Not the easiest place to get to as in the suburbs but A good trip for a rainy day!
Stahl Fernandes | Mar 29, 2018
Amazing place to get exposed to products used in times of the GDR. I was certainly impressed by the actual layout of a typical house hold. The car they would drive, the scooter, motorbike, a shop counter and so on. The first thing upon entrance is an option to pick up a practical guide. Not really required because everything is well marked and displayed. The place showcases the Lifestyle of a Berliner right from birth, opening the cute drawers one gets the opportunity to examine the contents of possessions and essentials used in education and everyday life. Lots of information there and the most interactive museum. Must see while in Berlin.
Khalil Alagha | Apr 7, 2018
I really enjoyed exploring the area. It's full of attractions and a nice place for walking. There are a lot of cafés restaurants. A river and a cathedral is also nearby.. I really loved it. There are trams and underground stations nearby if you want to reach the area. A monument for Berlin Wall is also there.
Mark Govier | Apr 24, 2018
If you're in Berlin and a child of the 70's or earlier this place will rock! So much familiar and different. Whilst the exhibits about the "supervision" of the state are menacing, pretty much the rest is "of an age". Allow yourself at least two to three hours. Excellent value. Print out some recipes in the kitchen and make sure you check out all drawers and cupboards; there's hundreds of "hidden" exhibits.
Lindsay Kern | Apr 21, 2018
One of the best museums I've been to. Most of the exhibits are interactive and you can even touch/pick up items. Covers all aspects of living in divided Berlin and it really takes you back in time. We spent about 4 hours here (seeing and reading mostly everything). You can buy tickets online to skip the queue.
Khalil Alagha | Apr 24, 2018
I really enjoyed exploring the area. It's full of attractions and a nice place for walking. There are lots of cafés restaurants. A river and a cathedral is also nearby.. I really loved it. There are trams and underground stations nearby if you want to reach the area. A monument for Berlin Wall is also there.
Vijay Desai | Jul 3, 2018
Beautiful a must visit place for every tourist, children also enjoy this place. Young generation have nit read more literature about the Berlin wall, it's fall and united Berlin. The historical illustrations are very beautiful and effective. But be careful please check the closing time , you have to enter before 5:30 pm in summer, because closing time is 6 pm. Also during winter it's earlier.
Brett Gottfried | Jul 1, 2018
This is a Avery fun museum to go to if you want to get a feel for the life of citizens of East Germany before the wall fell. They have a lot of interactive exhibits that paint a vivid image of life back them. The layout wasn't chronological which made it a bit confusing but still really fun.
Alex Krentsel | Jun 1, 2018
Super awesome museum. It's extremely hands on - you can touch anything and everything! Lots of old, DDR era stuff. Great for kids or people who want to touch things. Very high tech exhibits too!
Isaac Murphy | Jul 18, 2018
Very informative museum with plenty of opportunity for interaction. The museum very much teaches through interaction, which makes for an exciting experience compared to the usual 'walk and read'. Information is clear, concise and interesting. The museum is thorough and paints a clear picture of life within the DDR, both as a worker and as part of the élite. Better than a normal museum for young children due to interactivity. Prices are also good and a student discount is available.
Chris Steers | Aug 9, 2018
If you bought a ticket online expect the door for pre purchased tickets to be locked. You can enter the museum through the gift shop / exit and skip any lines. Just scan your ticket in the gift shop turnstiles. Works on mobile phone screens. If you are waiting in line, go online and buy a ticket, then enter through the gift shop. Nice place. Not too big so it won't be a day trip. Just and hour or two. Hands on exhibits.
Meshal Albhairy | Jul 11, 2018
The DDR museum is a unique Museum and something and you between all the museums I have visited in my life. This museum is totally different because it shows you a modern life but we didn't leave it. something I can watch it in the TV or in the media but we still don't know it yet. It shows you almost every aspect of the life of Germans during the Cold War. It describes every detail in the German houses with almost every piece of furniture at that time.
Bach Le | Aug 2, 2018
I did enjoy the DDR museum here. Visiting the museum will make you understand more about the East German life before the 90s. The museum is quite details and big enough for you to spend hours in there. One of the most interesting museums in Berlin.
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