Stiftung Berliner Mauer

The Stiftung Berliner Mauer is a state-owned foundation under public law in the German federal state of Berlin, established by a legislative resolution on September 17, 2008. Its mission is to document and convey the history of the Berlin Wall and the escape movements from the German Democratic Republic (GDR) as part of and a consequence of the German division and the East-West conflict in the 20th century.

The foundation includes six central historical sites in Berlin:

• Memorial Site Berlin Wall at Bernauer Straße: Here is the visitor center and the documentation center, which presents the history of the wall and the death strip in detail.
• Memorial Site Emergency Reception Center Marienfelde: This site commemorates the emergency reception center where refugees from the GDR were received.
• East Side Gallery: The longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, created by 118 artists from 21 countries.
• Memorial Günter Litfin: A monument for the first victim at the Berlin Wall.
• Checkpoint Charlie: A future educational and memorial site currently in planning.
• Parliament of Trees Against War and Violence: A project in collaboration with the Tree Sponsorship Association that promotes peace and democracy.

The Stiftung Berliner Mauer acts in the interest of the public and has the legal mandate to preserve and convey the history of the Berlin Wall and the German division. It promotes dialogue and democracy education and provides new perspectives on historical events. The foundation emphasizes the importance of a pluralistic society and highlights the societal impacts of authoritarian forms of governance.

The foundation is building an extensive collection of original objects and historical artifacts related to the Berlin Wall and the history of division. This collection includes topics such as border regimes, victims, escape, life and everyday life with the wall, as well as the reception of the history of division. Additionally, the foundation is engaged in research and eyewitness work to document history authentically and comprehensively.

The Stiftung Berliner Mauer is committed to the long-term preservation of the historical sites and traces of the Berlin Wall. It is working on the digitization of its collections to make them available online in the long term. Furthermore, the foundation promotes a nuanced understanding of borders, migration, the rule of law, and human rights through its exhibitions, educational offerings, and events. The foundation is supported by two sponsoring associations that have emerged from the original sponsoring associations of the memorial sites.

The foundation is accompanied by a board of trustees and a scientific advisory board. The board of trustees includes representatives from the state of Berlin, the federal government, the sponsoring associations, and other relevant institutions. The director of the foundation, Axel Klausmeier, is a renowned art and architectural historian who has intensively engaged with the history of the Berlin Wall.

The work of the Stiftung Berliner Mauer is an important contribution to the culture of remembrance and the promotion of democracy and understanding of the historical events that have shaped Germany and Berlin. Through its diverse locations and offerings, the foundation provides an in-depth insight into the history of the Berlin Wall and its impacts.

• 1 - https://www.stiftung-berliner-mauer.de/de/ueber-uns/stiftung
• 2 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stiftung_Berliner_Mauer
• 3 - https://www.stiftung-berliner-mauer.de
• 4 - https://www.axians-infoma.de/news/stiftung-berliner-mauer-auf-dem-weg-zum-papierlosen-buero/
• 5 - https://www.deutsche-digitale-bibliothek.de/organization/A52WOLFHOQ4JDAPIGD7O7XJTP6N7FZ5E