Did you want to learn about the history of the Cold War? The museums and historical sites in Berlin provide ample opportunity to explore the fascinating era, a city which also presents itself for you extensively. In this blog, we will introduce you to the very best Cold War museum in Berlin with all necessary information to get you through.

Berlin Wall Memorial

For those interested in the Cold War, the Berlin Wall Memorial is a necessary trip. Set in the centre of town, this museum allows visitors to go through the remains of the famous Berlin Wall and find out more about divided Berlin.

Inside, you’ll have compelling exhibits about the wall’s impact on lifes of those affected. In his form, the exhibition gives a brilliant portrayal of the political, economic, emotional impact of the division of the people of Berlin.

Tips for Visiting:

• Possible places to go may include such as exploring an outdoor area, hence you will be doing a fair amount of walking do wear comfortable shoes.
• If you would like to delve deeper into the history and importance of this site, take a guided tour to learn more.
• Don’t forget that camera to capture these iconic pictures.

DDR Museum

The DDR Museum provides its visitors with an interactive, step back in time experience of what life was like in East Germany during the Cold War. This hands on museum offers an insight into everyday life, culture and political life of the former German Democratic Republic.

The DDR Museum recreates a typical East German apartment, you can sit inside a Trabant car and try on clothes from the era. Whether it’s children young or old, the museum provides an immersive experience of what history is all about.

Tips for Visiting:

• Especially during peak tourist seasons, get out of long queues by arriving early.
• So take your time, listen to the audio, read the texts, interact with the exhibits and take in the museum experience to the fullest.
• The museum’s website may have details of any special events or temporary exhibitions that happen during your visit.

Allied Museum

Allied Museum is dedicated to the history of Western Allies who worked and resided in Berlin during the Cold War. The story is told how while the Allies supported West Berlin during this tense period, it was housed in the former U.S. Outpost.

Inside the museum you will find a list of artifacts, documents and photographs about how the United States, Britain and France are trying to keep West Berlin free. The original guardhouse from Checkpoint Charlie is one of the museum’s brightest stars.

Tips for Visiting:

• Use the museum’s audio guide to make sense of the exhibits.
• The first step is to visit the museum’s website before you get there to check what the opening hours and special exhibitions are that night.
• The nearby Lichterfelde Park is also worth a walk around while you’re here.

Stasi Museum

For those that are looking to dig deeper into the darker end of the Cold War period the Stasi Museum is a place you have got to visit. The museum, housed in the former headquarters of the East German secret police, has a lot to say about surveillance tactics and oppression during this time.

Original equipment used for spying, and equipment employed by the secret police to control and monitor East German citizens, are showcased while visitors may explore the offices of former Stasi (secret police) officers.

Tips for Visiting:

• The museum is not in any way allowing photography.
• Find out more about the Stasi’s operations and the effect it made on East German society by taking a guided tour.
• Allow some extra time to get out there and explore the gardens of the Hohenschönhausen Memorial and else.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Cold War museums in Berlin is a rewarding exercise. There are plenty of museums to go into if you are interested in the political history, or personal stories or how everyday life was affected.

The thing is, you have to plan your visit, enough time to get lost in each museum. Taking enough advantage of the various exhibits, tours and extra resources, you’ll be well aware of the Cold War and how it contributed to the status of the world we live in isn’t.