DDR Museum

The DDR Museum is Berlin's interactive museum and one of the most-visited attractions in the German capital. History comes dynamically alive as the visitor is given a first-hand introduction to life in the first Socialist state on German soil. See, touch, feel and experience the actual conditions of a long-defunct system. Unique artefacts, futuristic technology and a prize-winning design transform a museum visit into a great journey back in time.

Welcome to Berlin's interactive museum!

Providing an exceptional museum experience, the DDR Museum is one of the most-visited museums in Berlin. Three factors combine to make it unique.

1. THE DDR MUSEUM SHOWS EVERYDAY LIFE IN THE GDR

The only museum in Berlin to focus on everyday life in the former East Germany, the DDR Museum widens the conventional focus away from the Stasi and the Berlin wall to encompass everyday life. How did life in East Germany differ from the experience of West Germans? How did the state influence people's lives? Where did citizens feel the hand of the dictatorship? What, if anything, was good about the GDR? What is the truth behind popular prejudices and stories about life in East Germany? The permanent exhibition of the DDR Museum addresses all these questions in a light-hearted and often ironic fashion.The cultural history approach to these questions concentrates its focus on ordinary people; in doing so, this museum about the GDR does a lot more than just outlining the facts.

2. A HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE OF HISTORY IN BERLIN'S INTERACTIVE MUSEUM

True to its slogan: "a hands-on experience of history," the DDR Museum provides stimulation for all the senses. Entering a reproduction high-rise tower block housing estate built on the scale 1:20, visitors are invited to open cupboards, rummage through drawers, drive a Trabi simulator and touch and feel a number of exhibits. The kitchen even exudes the original GDR smell. The usual museum experience of looking and reading is supplemented by a full-on sensual experience, making the DDR Museum perhaps the most interactive museum in the world.

3. THE DDR MUSEUM IS ENTIRELY SELF-FINANCING AND DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY STATE SUBSIDY

The DDR Museum does not receive any form of state or third-party funding. Financing its operations entirely from entrance fees, our popularity means that not only are we able to cover all our costs, but have created more than 30 jobs. Our success led us to extend our permanent exhibition, opening a second room in 2010. This extension was nominated for the European Museum of the Year prize in 2012.

ACCESSIBILITY

Unfortunately, the local authorities have not made the Spree promenade barrier-free; it is accessible via a staircase or a very steep ramp. Wheelchairs can enter the exhibition via a side entrance; we would be happy to provide assistance. We would request disabled visitors contact us (030 847 123 7 - 31) before their planned visit so that we can make any necessary arrangements.

The majority of the permanent exhibition allows barrier-free access; only the Trabi is accessed by a flight of steps.

HOW TO REACH

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 9.00-21.00
The DDR Museum is open 365 days.

The DDR Museum is located in the City-Quartier DomAquarée:

Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1
10178 Berlin-Mitte

From the Liebknechtbridge, go down the flight of stairs directly opposite the Berlin Cathedral.

The Domaquarée car park has 600 parking places and is open 24 hours a day.

Public transport:
S-Bahn and U-Bahn Alexanderplatz
S-Bahn Hackescher Markt
U-Bahn U5 Museumsinsel, Rotes Rathaus
Bus routes 100 and 200: alight at the stop Spandauer Straße
Bus route 300: alight at the stop Lustgarten
Tram lines M4, M5, M6: alight at the stop Spandauer Straße

River cruises: alight at the stop DomAquarée

ADMISSION

Adults: €12.50
Concessions: €7.00

Tickets can be bought online as well as on-site at the ticket desk of the DDR Museum.

Registered groups (per person): €6.50 (10 or more people)
Registered school groups (per person): €4.50 (10 or more people)

Concessions apply to children over the age of 6 years, schoolchildren, students, those serving national service and the severely disabled. Proof is required. Children under the age of 6 enter free of charge.