Guided exhibition tour “Tränenpalast. A Site of German Division”

From 1961 until 1989, the Berlin Wall divided the city in two: into East Berlin and West Berlin. There were a few border points where people could cross from the one side to the other. The checkpoint at Friedrichstrasse station was in the heart of Berlin. Here, hundreds of travellers crossed the border each day by train or city rapid railway (S-Bahn). And it was here, in front of the small departures hall with its high windows and flat roof, that East Germans said goodbye to their relatives from the West. You went into the hall in order to re-enter West Berlin. It was the scene of many a painful farewell. Often people didn’t know if they would ever see each other again and tears flowed freely. It truly was the Tränenpalast (Palace of Tears).

Our exhibition “Site of German Division” at this historical site shows how the division of Germany and the construction of the Berlin Wall came about. It also explains how the customs and passport checkpoint functioned at the Tränenpalast and outlines the surveillance system in place at the Friedrichstrasse border crossing.

During the guided tour, you will discover the key themes and historical traces: How did people from the GDR manage to flee or emigrate to the West? What experiences did travelers from East and West have during processing at the Tränenpalast? What memories do you yourself associate with this historic site?

Accessible and free of charge. Duration: 1 hour.

Venue:
Tränenpalast
Reichstagufer 17
10117 Berlin