East Side Gallery - Berlin - Things To Do Reviews

This is a long section of the former Berlin Wall that, soon after reunification, attracted artists who used the concrete panels to offer their own interpretations of Berlin's history and current situation. While most of the rest of the Wall has been destroyed, the East Side Gallery (as it came to be called) has remained, and there is now a charitable trust dedicated to its preservation.

There are over one hundred images, and being exposed to the elements and to vandals they fell into disrepair. Therefore in 2000 an extensive programme of repainting and restoration was undertaken, in many cases by the original artists. Unfortunately, although predictably, the graffiti has returned. Nevertheless, in my opinion the Gallery remains essential viewing for any visitor to Berlin, and you should allow at least an hour as the paintings engender many trains of thought.

The Gallery is all along one side of Muhlenstrasse, and the viewing technique is simply to walk along the other side with your head turned through ninety degrees - so you need a fine day! And it would be a good plan to avoid times when there is a lot of traffic, as cars and lorries obscure the view.