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Checkpoint Museum preserves Wall history Posted
August 8, 2004
By ASHA ANDERSON BERLIN— Berlin’s Museum Haus Am Checkpoint Charlie is a popular site for tourists and has special interest for Americans. The museum, which has been open for 42 years, is located on the west side of Checkpoint Charlie, which was the best-known border crossing between East Berlin and West Berlin. It is the site where, in October, 1961, American and Russian tanks faced each other after the United States intervened to protect the rights of Berlin’s residents.
The Berlin Wall was erected in August, 1961 and separated Soviet West Berlin from East Berlin, which was occupied by the United States, Britain and France. The Wall was extended to separate East Germany from West Germany as well and the nation remained divided for nearly three decades. West Berlin was literally encircled by East Germany. In the 28 years that the wall stood, 5,075 East Berliners successfully escaped and 1,008 perished because of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) regime. The hated Berlin Wall finally came down on Nov. 9, 1989, and the city was reunited. National reunification followed in the months that followed. The internationally famous Checkpoint Charlie was guarded by the U.S. Army during the Cold War, so American soldiers are commonly pictured in the museum. Also, the written history on its walls includes a good deal of stories dealing with Americans.
Inside the museum, the exhibits include escape methods, artistic portrayals of the Wall, photographs of East and West Berlin and a salute to non-violent protest. Photographs illustrate some escapes from East to West Berlin, such as a border guard jumping over barbed wire. Other examples are reproduced as models, such as mannequins in suitcases. According to the museum’s promotional brochure, the inclusion of artists’ interpretations of the Wall is important in understanding the full scope of each Berliner’s experiences during that era. They include a quote by the philosopher Ernst Bloch explains their rationale: “It is only because artists and poets have borne witness that we can understand past hopes and recognize their perspectives for the future,” he wrote. One exhibit pays tribute to all non-violent protest and captures the spirit of the Wall struggle while sending a positive message that peaceful revolt is desirable and effective. This exhibit includes 14 items on loan from India’s Gandhi family, including Mahatma Gandhi’s diary. “The museum was interesting, but I think that there was a lot lost in translation.” Edward French, a British tourist, said. The written history of the Wall is translated into German, English, French and Russian. However, some of the narratives seem do not quite make sense. This problem results in a Wall history with a few holes.
Another problem is the design and overall organization of the museum. The area spans two floors with a number of small rooms. The space is cramped and almost all exhibitions appear cluttered, which makes them harder to follow. For some visitors, the presentation, not the message, is disappointing. “I’ve seen about half of the museum and I am ready to leave.” Patricia Elize, an American student said. “Everywhere you look there is something different that doesn’t relate to what is right next to it. It is very disorganized.” Despite these shortcomings, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum is a worthwhile stop in Berlin. Many of the photographs speak for themselves and tell the story of a divided city, struggling for unification and freedom from oppression. Also, U.S. tourists can gain from learning about the American occupation of West Germany.
If You Go:
Address: Friedrichstr. 43-45, D-10969 Berlin-Kreuzberg Telephone: (030) 25 37 25-0 Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week Admission: 9,50 Euros for adults, 5,50 Euros for children and students Web site: http://www.mauermuseum.de Transportation: Underground line 6, Kochstrabe, Underground line 2, Stadmitte, Bus 129
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