Visiting Berlin’s East Side Gallery

East Side Gallery, Berlin

East Side Gallery, Berlin
The Berlin Wall is a symbol of repression and division during the Cold War. Some of it is kept intact as a memorial and a lesson for future generations to heed. But there is one part of the Wall that serves as a symbol of joy, not sadness. This is the East Side Gallery, a 1.3-km section of the wall that is covered by over 100 colorful graffiti murals. These include caricatures, wacky abstract patterns, fantasy figures and messages.

One of the most well-known graffiti artworks is a kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker, president of East Germany, which was based on a real photo. The graffiti painting actually has its own name “My God, help me to survive this deadly love.” The kiss was part of what is known as a socialist fraternal kiss, done by communist leaders as a greeting during the 20th century.

Situated along the river Spree, the East Side Gallery is a very pleasant attraction to visit, not to mention it is completely free. As a plus, the Oberbaum bridge nearby, on which road traffic and the subway train travels, looks like a medieval castle with its two towers and Gothic style design.

How to get there: Get off at the Bahnof Warschauer Straße station (which is on both the S-bahn and U-bahn lines) and walk toward the river. Turn right (westwards) before the bridge over the river and walk straight and you will come upon the East Side Gallery.
East Side Gallery, Berlin

East Side Gallery, Berlin

East Side Gallery, Berlin

East Side Gallery, Berlin
East Side Gallery, Berlin

East Side Gallery, Berlin

Berlin

Berlin
Oberbaum bridgeEast Side Gallery, Berlin  

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