For the first time ever, a large touring exhibition about the Berlin Wall will travel the world, showcasing an unparalleled collection of more than 500 original objects from more than 20 international museums and institutions.
In collaboration with the Stiftung Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Foundation), Musealia has finally revealed its highly anticipated new exhibition “The Berlin Wall. Living in a Divided World” after years of preparation. The exhibition will explore the escalation of this conflict and how the people of Berlin came to take sides, fight, escape, adjust, and ultimately overcome the Cold War divisions.
Featuring a wide collection of more than 500 original objects such as 20 meters of the actual Wall, along with materials depicting its evolution over time and everyday items that Berlin citizens ingeniously repurposed for smuggling, provision of basic goods, and communication between civilians on both sides. The exhibition will also present objects related to its fall in the late 80s and the international context of the Cold War, with the involvement of over 20 museums and international institutions.
Luis Ferreiro, Director of Musealia, believes that the exhibition will allow to build bridges and reflect upon issues concerning our society. “After years of working together with the Berlin Wall Foundation, presenting this exhibition is a special milestone for Musealia. Our visitors will have the opportunity to learn how and why this border regime was constructed, but above all, they will have the chance to understand the different experiences that its existence brought to the Berliners on both sides of the Wall. Its history, along with the Cold War, serves as a unique platform to explore essential aspects of our own society.”
This is the story of how ideological differences created a physical and symbolic barrier, separating families, friends, and a city in two. But it’s also about resilience and hope, as people fought to overcome oppression and demand their freedom. Even today, the story of the Berlin Wall continues to resonate, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for human rights and democracy around the world.
Axel Klausmeier, director of the Stiftung Berliner Mauer, highlighted the importance of this collaboration for his institution: “At the Berlin Wall Foundation, we work to bring contemporary issues such as migration, the rule of law, and human rights to the table, and we address the social effects of authoritarian forms of government and the value of democracy and pluralist society. It is our hope that The Berlin Wall. Living in a Divided World will serve as a reminder of what happened in Europe not so long ago. We want to raise awareness for the power of the people: Their courage led to the Revolution of 1989 which changed the World.”
The exhibition will premiere this Fall at the Fundación Canal in Madrid, the same institution where Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away was also inaugurated in 2017. It is scheduled to tour several cities around the world in the coming years.
For more updates visit the exhibition’s website and to subscribe to the newsletter www.theberlinwall.com
