Stasimuseum Berlin

Located in the Lichtenberg neighbourhood, the Stasimuseum Berlin is combined museum, archive, and research centre. Explore its rooms and corridors alone, or as part of an insightful guided tour, and hear the often harrowing stories about what went on behind the anonymous concrete walls. Anyone who is interested in the Cold War era in Berlin will be fascinated by the spy gadgets used for mass surveillance across East Germany, while the centrepiece of the museum is the preserved office of former Minister for State Security, Erich Mielke - the head of the Stasi.

Berlin - Once divided, now reunited

The Berlin Wall is a permanent reminder of Berlin's recent history as a divided city. Following reunification, care has been taken to preserve some of the Cold War's most important landmarks, such as portions of the wall and Checkpoint Charlie. Older historical landmarks include Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Victory Column, while the city's array of museums cater to all interests: from the antiquities of the Pergamon, to the contemporary art of the Berlinische Galerie and the WWII history of the Topography of Terror. If Cold War history is the main reason for coming to Berlin, the Stasimuseum Berlin is a must-visit, giving startling insight into the covert methods of surveillance practised by the East German state.

Behind the scenes of East German spying

The Stasimuseum Berlin is perfectly located - in the actual building where the East German security forces operated during the Cold War. When visitors walk into the office of former spy chief Erich Mielke, they're not seeing a recreation, but rather the real thing; it's as if he left a few hours ago and nothing has changed. A guided tour deepens visitors' understanding of both the surveillance system, and its impact on the lives of ordinary people living in Berlin, and beyond.

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More than 12 million visitors to Berlin have already saved money on their trip, by purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard - why not join them? The WelcomeCard doesn't only offer savings of up to 50% on Berlin's top visitor attractions, but it also gives you free, unlimited access to the city's public transport system, including U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus and tram. See more of the city than you ever thought possible, and really feel the pulse of Berlin.