PATRIMOINE EUROPÉEN
EUROPÄISCHES ERBE
PATRIMONIO EUROPEO
EUROPEAN HERITAGE
EUROPEAN HERITAGE LABEL
“Iron Curtain”
Application form
for listing under the “European Heritage Label” scheme
Country
Region/Province
Name of the cultural property, monument,
natural or urban site, or site that has played a key
role in European history.
Owner of the cultural property, monument,
natural or urban site, or site that has played a key
role in European history
Public or private authorities responsible for the
site or property (delegated management)
Postal address
Geographic coordinates of the cultural property,
monument, natural or urban site, or site that has
played a key role in European history
Reasons for listing
Germany
Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hesse, Saxony,
Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia
Network of places and sites of the “Iron Curtain”
See the brief individual descriptions
Public authority (with the exception of the Villa
Schöningen, which is privately owned)
Coordination:
Stiftung Berliner Mauer
Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer
Bernauer Strasse 111
D- 13355 Berlin
See map in enclosed attachments
Decades after the Cold War ended, young people in
particular have difficulty grasping how great the
threat was at that time. There are very few sites
today that convey an impression of the political,
economic and, most notably, military dividing line
that existed then, or of the seriousness of the
confrontation which embodied the daily threat of a
nuclear inferno with the capacity to destroy a large
expanse of our planet. The institutions/sites that
have been proposed for the network address mainly
the following subject areas:
- sites where political decisions were made
- border sites and border crossings
- sites of military border security or secret
service operations during the Cold War that
are related to the “Iron Curtain”
- sites of individual or civic resistance aimed
at bringing down the Wall and the “Iron
Curtain.”
The focus is set on three aspects of the “Iron
Curtain”: its creation, its existence, and the
History of the cultural property, monument,
natural or urban site, or site that has played a key
role in European history
System of protection of the cultural property,
monument, natural or urban site, or site that has
played a role in European history, if appropriate
State of preservation of the site/object
Policy to promote and enhance the appreciation
of the site/property (detail actions already
performed and required)
Cultural exchanges and networking
Heritage and creative activities
Sources and level of finance
Activities taken/planned to heighten the profile
and representativeness of the site
efforts to overcome it.
The sites are not in any way in competition with
the initiative “Grünes Band” (Green Band) or
the plan to establish an “Iron Curtain Trail”
under the European Heritage Label.
Another important criterion for the selection of
these sites – also distinguishing it from the
criteria for the Unesco World Heritage of
Humanity – is the European dimensions of their
historical or cultural significance and their
singularity in Europe.
The selected sites meet the requirements
regarding stability and infrastructure (visitor
friendly services, programs in different
languages and the ability to network)
See the brief individual descriptions
Most of the monuments are protected by the
monument conservation laws of the individual
German states
The overall state of preservation is good
See the brief individual descriptions
The network is designed so that sites/institutions in
other European countries could and should join
As described above, an infrastructure with
educational and tourist programs as well as
scholarly documentation is already in place. See the
brief individual descriptions.
The sites are financed jointly by the German federal
government, the states and the municipalities as
well as by their respective supporting associations.
(Exception: Villa Schöningen, privately funded)
The network of “Iron Curtain” sites is currently
under development; therefore it is not possible to
provide information here.
European Heritage Label
Sites of the “Iron Curtain”
Brief OVERVIEW of the network
1) Bavaria
Töpen, German-German Museum of Mödlareuth
The town of Mödlareuth on the inner German border which was divided into two – with one
half belonging to the GDR and the other to the Federal Republic of Germany – became a
symbol of German division. In addition to its permanent exhibition, the German-German
Museum of Mödlareuth displays an exhibit of East German vehicles, presents special
exhibitions, maintains open-air exhibition grounds and a historical nature trail.
2) Berlin
Berlin, Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial lies on Bernauer Strasse and is the only section of the former
border that still vividly conveys the many layers of border fortifications. The memorial
includes a documentation centre, an open-air exhibition (under development), an exhibit about
the ghost stations in the Nordbahnhof S-Bahn station, the Chapel of Reconciliation and a
visitor centre.
Berlin, Marienfelde Refugee Centre Memorial
The former Marienfelde refugee centre served from 1953 to 1990 as the first central contact
point for East German refugees and emigrants entering West Berlin. Its location and function
made the refugee camp a highly contested site at the junction between two politically
opposing systems. In the refugee camp’s former main building, the memorial presents a
permanent exhibition about flight in divided Germany as well as various temporary
exhibitions.
3) Brandenburg
Potsdam, Cecilienhof Palace, Glienicke Bridge, Villa Schöningen
The Potsdam Conference of the victorious powers of World War II took place in the
Cecilienhof Palace in August 1945. The border crossing on the Glienicke Bridge was used in
1962, 1985 and 1986 to exchange 38 people from the East and West (including spies). The
Villa Schönhingen that was used as a children’s home until 1994 stands just a few meters
from the bridge. Permanent exhibitions in the palace and villa present information about the
history of the sites.
4) Hesse
Geisa, Point Alpha Memorial
The former U.S. observation post Point Alpha (1950s to 1990), where elite U.S. military units
were also stationed as of 1972, represents a hotspot of the Cold War. Today the Point Alpha
historical site includes the preserved and reconstructed border fortifications and the museum
“House on the Border” (on the Thuringia side).
5) Saxony
Leipzig, Nikolai Church , inner-city ring road, museum in the “rounded corner”
The Nikolai Church stands for the Monday peace prayers that were conducted in 1989 at the
start of rallies and demonstrations. The large Leipzig Monday demonstrations took place at
the Leipzig inner-city ring road.
From 1950 to 1989 the building housing the museum in the “rounded corner” at Dittrichring
was the headquarters of the district administration for state security (Stasi secret police),
whose activities are now documented in a permanent exhibition there.
6) Saxony-Anhalt
Marienborn, Marienborn Memorial of German Division
The bulk of inner-German transit traffic, as well as the inter-zonal passenger traffic, was
processed at the former border checkpoint (GÜSt) at Helmstedt/Marienborn. The Marienborn
Memorial of German Division was established in the main area of the former checkpoint and
maintains a documentation and information centre with both permanent and temporary
exhibitions.
7) Thuringia
Teistungen, Eichsfeld Borderland Museum
The former GDR border crossing at Duderstadt-Worbis on the B 247 highway in Teistungen
was one of the busiest road crossings, not including the transit checkpoints. The Eichsfeld
Borderland Museum contains all the preserved buildings from the former crossing as well as a
border nature train. (A new exhibition is currently being developed.)
Workgroup Results Summary
“European Heritage Label for the Iron Curtain”
The second half of the 20th century was dominated by the struggle between two opposing
political, economic and military systems and their mutual threat of a nuclear attack, a conflict
which came to an end with the collapse of communism. The opposing systems of capitalism
and communism were identified and symbolized by the “Iron Curtain” that cut through the
middle of Europe. Although the two super powers, the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., avoided
engaging in direct military conflict, they did spur on an unprecedented arms race. The conflict
between them threatened to escalate on a number of occasions. The Korean and Vietnam
wars, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the first and second Berlin Crisis, the confrontation between
Soviet and American tanks at Checkpoint Charlie in October 1961 were all international crisis
situations which, had they escalated, could easily have resulted in catastrophic consequences
for the entire world.
Decades after the Cold War ended, young people in particular have difficulty grasping how
great the threat was at that time. There are very few sites today that convey an impression of
the political, economic, and most notably, military dividing line that existed then, or of the
seriousness of the confrontation which embodied the daily threat of a nuclear inferno with the
capacity to destroy a large expanse of our planet.
From this historical context, the Federal Republic of Germany plans to submit an application
to the EU regarding the “European Heritage Label for the Iron Curtain.” The “Iron Curtain”
designation over the European Heritage Label represents an effort to honour the dramatic
historical significance of the “Iron Curtain.” In the fall of 2009, a nation-wide working team
was summoned to establish a list of proposed sites to be distinguished with the EU heritage
label under the principle theme of the “Iron Curtain.” The first meeting took place on
September 16, 2009, led by Mr. Klemke of the Berlin Senate Chancellery Division for
Cultural Affairs. During this initial event, a small workgroup of delegates from different
German states was established, which met on December 11, 2009 in the offices of the Berlin
Wall Memorial. The group, led by the museum’s director, Dr. Axel Klausmeier, addressed the
task of establishing a list of proposed sites that meet different criteria for the European
Heritage Label application.
Following intense discussions, it was agreed during the first meeting on September 16, 2009
that the list should not be limited only to honouring individual “sites,” but should instead be
applied to a network of institutions in Germany that could later be joined by other relevant
establishments in other European countries.
The sites and institutions under consideration must meet the criteria of the EU heritage
document at the time of submission. Sites in the planning stage would be able to join at a later
date. The institutions under consideration should, where appropriate, take on a subjectoriented function for smaller sites within their institutions and in the content of their work and
draw attention to them. It is important that they appeal to a national and, importantly,
international (young) public, and that their educational programs not only provide information
about the inner-German border or the German-Czech border, but also include the reasons for
and consequences of these boundary lines. The “technical” questions of how the border
actually functioned should not be the only focus. Emphasis should also be placed on the
significance for the nation as a whole and the subject’s international political relevance. For
this reason sites should be selected that illustrate in a striking way certain aspects of the
former Cold War confrontation, and which also exemplify how this conflict was overcome. It
also became clear that the selected sites should include not only registered monuments,
documented cultural landscapes and memorial sites, but if possible, contemporary sites of
different forms, for example, that in artistic and interpretive ways address this heritage. In
such cases, the essential question of authentic substance need not necessarily be a primary
factor in their selection.
Although it is understood that not every site can fulfil every criterion, it was agreed that the
proposed institutions/sites should address the following subject areas. The selected sites
should be:
•
•
•
•
Sites where political decisions were made
Border sites or border crossings
Sites of military border security or secret service operations during the Cold War that are
related to the “Iron Curtain”
Sites of individual or civic resistance aimed at bringing down the Wall and the “Iron
Curtain.”
The focus should be on three aspects of the “Iron Curtain”:
• its creation
• its existence
• and the efforts to overcome it.
The application should be limited to a select number of memorials (around 5) and also include
thematically-related sites that came into being in the period after the Wall fell.
This proposal is not in competition with the initiative “Grünes Band” (Green Band) or the
effort to establish an “Iron Curtain Trail” under the European Heritage Label, but rather
serves to complement these plans.
Another important criterion for the selection of these sites – also distinguishing it from the
criteria for the Unesco World Heritage of Humanity – is both the European dimensions of
their historical or cultural significance and their singularity in Europe. Emphasis should be
placed on what makes each respective site unique.
The selected sites should also display stability and meet certain infrastructural prerequisites
(visitor friendly services, programs offered in different languages, the ability to network.)
Another essential factor was the sustainability of the infrastructure of each institution/site,
particularly with regard to educational programs.
The sites presented here were agreed upon by the participants with this framework in mind.
The proposed sites listed here represent a typical cross section of the criteria listed above. The
list can be expanded.
Compiled for the workgroup by:
Dr. Axel Klausmeier
Director
Berlin Wall Foundation
European Heritage Label “Iron Curtain”
1. Exact name of the heritage site with address
Divided town of Mödlareuth on the former inner-German border
Deutsch-Deutsches Museum Mödlareuth
(German-German Museum of Mödlareuth)
Mödlareuth Nr. 13
95183 Töpen
2. Contact information
Robert Lebegern, M.A. (museum director)
Mödlareuth Nr. 13
95183 Töpen
tel.:09295/1334
fax: 09295/1319
e-mail: [email protected]
3. Historical significance and description of the preserved monument
The Americans called it “Little Berlin.” Like its big brother in Berlin, this town of
Mödlareuth, with its 50 inhabitants, became a symbol of the German division. After World
War II, the Tannbach river initially marked the demarcation line between Mödlareuth-East in
the Soviet zone of occupation and Mödlareuth-West in the American zone of occupation.
When the two separate German states were established in 1949, the Thuringian side of the
town belonged to the territory of the GDR; the Bavarian half became part of the Federal
Republic of Germany.
A high wooden fence was erected to seal off the two halves of the town, putting an abrupt end
to the centuries of economic, social and family ties across the Tannbach river. Over the
following years the border fortifications in Mödlareuth were continually expanded and
“improved” until 1966 when finally a 700 meter long, 3.3 meter high concrete barrier was
erected.
This dividing wall ran right through the middle of the town for more than 23 years. On
December 9, 1989, the border crossing in Mödlareuth was opened. When the wall came down
on June 17, 1990, the idea emerged to create a museum of German division at this historically
significant site. At the same time about 100 meters of the border grounds in Mödlareuth,
including concrete barriers, metal fencing, rows of lights and observation towers, were spared
demolition. As an historical monument dedicated to the German division, they serve today as
the centrepiece of the open-air exhibition grounds.
4. Current programs
The German-German Museum of Mödlareuth, run since 2006 under the auspices of a specialpurpose cross-border association, contains a museum infrastructure with (media) archive,
reference library, depot and offices. In addition, it maintains open-air grounds, a permanent
exhibition on the history of the divided town of Mödlareuth, a special exhibitions area, a
vehicle exhibition designed as an accessible depot, a historical nature trail and two
seminar/special events rooms.
The memorial’s educational programs include guided tours through the exhibition,
excursions, one day and longer seminars and projects (also cross-border) for schoolchildren of
different school types and ages. The museum presents temporary exhibitions, organizes public
events and produces films and publications.
In 2009, the memorial site welcomed more than 73,000 visitors from Germany and abroad,
including more than 600 guided groups.
European Heritage Label “Iron Curtain”
1. Exact name of the heritage site with address
A former inner-city border section of the Berlin Wall
Today:
Berlin Wall Memorial
Stiftung Berliner Mauer
(Berlin Wall Foundation)
Bernauer Straße 111
D- 13355 Berlin
2. Contact information
Dr. Axel Klausmeier (director of the Berlin Wall Memorial)
tel.: +49 (0)30 – 467 9866-66
fax: +49 (0)30 – 467 9866-78
e-mail: [email protected]
www.stiftung-berliner-mauer.de
3. Historical significance and description of the preserved monument
The Berlin Wall, as a symbol of German division, marked the border between the two power
blocs in the Cold War. It was also the distinguishing feature of the unconstitutional
communist regime in East Germany.
When the Wall fell, it also became a symbol for the struggle for freedom and democracy and
for the peaceful end to division. After the Wall fell, the border fortifications were almost
completely torn down within a few months. The only section of the border that today still
vividly conveys the many layers of border fortifications is located at Bernauer Strasse in
Berlin- Mitte. In 1998, a part of these border grounds was artistically designed into a
monument in memory of the division of the city and in commemoration of the victims of
communist tyranny. The monument is the centrepiece of the Berlin Wall Memorial that today
extends along 1.2 kilometres of the former death strip at the historical site of Bernauer
Strasse. When the Wall was erected, Bernauer Strasse became a focal point of German
history. This history is marked by dramatic events such as people jumping to the West from
the windows of buildings on the border, forced evacuations of residents from their homes, the
first fatalities after the border was sealed, acts of protest, successful tunnel escapes, and the
destruction of the Reconciliation Church.
After the overall concept for remembrance of the Berlin Wall was approved by the Berlin
Senate in 2006, it was resolved to expand the memorial into the central site of remembrance
for the victims of division. Preserving the border fortifications as the central historical relict is
now an unquestioned priority.
4. Current Programs
The Berlin Wall Memorial, under the auspices of the Berlin Wall Foundation since 2009,
includes the Documentation Centre, presenting an exhibition and providing a wealth of
information on and resources for in-depth study of the Berlin Wall; the open-air exhibition on
the border system and the historical site of Bernauer Strasse, (currently being developed); an
exhibition about the ghost stations; the Chapel of Reconciliation; and the Visitor Centre,
offering vast information on the many different sites of the Berlin Wall, film showings and a
well-stocked book store.
The historical site serves as the focus of the memorial’s political and historical work. Its many
diverse educational programs include tours in different languages, tours for children, seminars
and projects on different subjects for schoolchildren of different ages, discussions with
contemporary witnesses and guided bike tours along the course of the Wall.
Public events (readings, film viewings, discussions, etc.) are held regularly and new
publications continually developed.
During the week, a prayer service is conducted in the Chapel of Reconciliation for a single
victim, representing all the people who died at the Berlin Wall. Official wreath-laying
ceremonies and commemorative events are held each year on August 13 and November 9.
European Heritage Label “Iron Curtain”
1. Exact name of the heritage site with address
Former refugee camp for GDR refugees and emigrants arriving in West Berlin
Today:
Erinnerungsstätte Notaufnahmelager Marienfelde –
Stiftung Berliner Mauer
(Marienfelder Refugee Centre Memorial)
Marienfelder Allee 66-80
D- 12277 Berlin
2. Contact information
Bettina Effner (director of the memorial)
tel.: +49 (0)30 – 75 65 73 93
fax: +49 (0)30 – 75 44 66 34
e-mail: [email protected]
3. Historical significance and description of the preserved monument
The Marienfelde Refugee Centre opened on April 14, 1953. It served as the first, central
contact point for GDR refugees and emigrants entering West Berlin until the refugee law was
repealed on June 30, 1990 during the process of German reunification. During this period,
1.35 million people passed through the refugee camp before being dispersed throughout the
West German federal states. The Marienfelde refugee camp was in many ways a meeting
point of the two different political systems. For the Federal Republic of Germany, including
West Berlin, but also for the GDR, it was a place where the Cold War competition was both
clearly visible and acted out through the various activities of the western secret services and
the GDR secret police: What the one side regarded as a “gate to freedom” was viewed by the
other side as an “enemy object.” The site marked the transition from East to West for the
refugees and emigrants after they had crossed the border, but before they had actually arrived.
Marienfelde is linked to these people’s personal biographies, which encompass their
experiences and impressions of both sides of the “Iron Curtain,” and their efforts to overcome
it. The entire complex of the refugee camp, with residential blocks, open grounds and the
former dining hall (the scope of the first building phase) was largely preserved in its original
form and is now protected as an historical monument. Of the three refugee camps that
previously existed -- in Berlin, Giessen and Uelzen -- Marienfelde has the most intact building
structures and the most thoroughly researched history.
4. Current programs
The Marienfeld Refugee Centre Memorial, under the auspices of the Berlin Wall Foundation
since the beginning of 2009, is housed in the former main building with offices, depot and
exhibition space. Visitors can view the extensive permanent exhibition “Flight in Divided
Germany,” which opened in 2005 (with more than 900 artefacts on 450 square meters of
space) as well as changing temporary exhibitions. Two seminar/special events rooms are also
available.
The memorial’s diverse educational programs include guided tours through the exhibition
offered in different languages, a multi-language audio guide, and special seminars and
projects for schoolchildren of different age groups. Public events (readings, discussions, etc.)
are held regularly and new publications continually developed. The memorial centre presents
at least one new special exhibition each year.
European Heritage Label “Iron Curtain”
1. Exact name of the heritage site with address
Schloss Cecilienhof / Glienicker Brücke / Villa Schöningen
(Cecilienhof Palace / Glienicke Bridge / Villa Schöningen)
Schloss Cecilienhof, Im Neuen Garten, 14469 Potsdam
Villa Schöningen, Berliner Str. 86, 14467 Potsdam
2. Contact information
Brandenburgisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur
Dr. Uwe Koch
Dortustraße 36
14467 Potsdam
tel.: 0331-866 4950,
fax.: 0331-866 4998,
e-mail: [email protected]
Villa Schöningen,
Mr. Karolewski, managing director
Berliner Strasse 86, 14467 Potsdam
tel.: 0331-200 1741
fax: 0331-200 1736
e-mail: [email protected]
Schloss Cecilienhof
Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg
Harald Berndt, palace division head
Schloss Cecilienhof
Im Neuen Garten, 14469 Potsdam
tel.: 0331-9694 520
e-mail: [email protected]
3. Historical significance and description of the preserved monument
Cecilienhof Palace: Emperor William had the Cecilienhof Palace built from 1913 to 1917 for
his older son, Crown Prince William, and his wife Cecilie. The palace was erected in the
northern part of the Neuer Garten park grounds in the style of an English Tudor country
house by the architect Paul Schultze-Naumburg. It was used by the royal couple until the end
of World War II. The Potsdam Conference attended by the victorious allies of World War II,
U.S.A, Great Britain and the Soviet Union, took place there from July 17 to August 2, 1945.
The communiqué signed by the “Big Three” on August 2, 1945 went down in history as the
Potsdam Agreement and established the post-war order for Germany and Europe. As a
consequence of the Cold War that began at the same time, the world was divided by the “Iron
Curtain” into two opposing blocs.
Glienicke Bridge: When Germany was divided, the steel bridge construction built in 1906/07
became a meeting point between West Berlin and the GDR. Because of its remoteness, the
border crossing on the bridge was used in 1962, 1985 and 1986 as a place to exchange 38
people from East and West, including spies.
Villa Schöningen: The house was built in 1843, commissioned by the King of Prussia,
Frederick William IV, for Kurd Wolfgang von Schöning, lord of the court to Prince Karl of
Prussia. The villa, designed by the architect Ludwig Persius in an Italian villa style, stands
just a few meters away from the Glienicke Bridge. The building, converted numerous times,
experienced a vibrant history. Most recently, until 1994, it was used as a children’s home.
In 2008/2009 the building was completely renovated and converted into a museum.
4. Current Programs
Cecilienhof Palace: The museum inside the palace provides information about the Potsdam
Conference of 1945, explaining the events leading up to it, its progression and the decisions
made there. As a consequence of the exacerbating conflicts between the occupying powers,
these decisions led to the division of Germany. Tours, audio guides, information texts and
photographs provide a glimpse into the vibrant history of this house, both as a residence of the
last German crown prince and his wife, and as the site of the Potsdam Conference. Visitors to
the historical site of the Potsdam Conference can view the former residential hall where the
negotiations took place and the representational rooms that were used as offices by the three
delegations. The original furnishings allow visitors to experience the authenticity of the site
where this important summit took place. Tours are provided to many foreign guests in their
own language. Special programs are available for school groups, designed to arouse the
interest of the younger generation in the historical events spanning from 1945 to the fall of the
Berlin Wall. Over the past years, in addition to the permanent exhibition, smaller, temporary
exhibitions, including one on the history of the memorial site and one on the 60th anniversary
of the Potsdam Conference, were presented.
A number of publications on the palace and the Potsdam Conference provide additional
information on the historical context and political background of the “Iron Curtain.”
Publications (a selection):
• Berndt, H./ Kirschstein, J., Schloss Cecilienhof, Tudorromantik und Weltpolitik, Stiftung
Preussische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin – Brandenburg (Hrsg.), u.a. München 2005.
• Chronos-Film und Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg, (Hrsg.),
Schloß Cecilienhof und die Potsdamer Konferenz 1945. Von der Hohenzollerwohnung zur
Gedenkstätte, Berlin 1995
Book publications and video production
• Müller, H./ Berndt, H., Schloss Cecilienhof und die Konferenz von Potsdam 1945,
Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten (Hrsg.), Potsdam 2006.
• Berndt, H., Schloss Cecilienhof – nur eine Gedenkstätte? Anmerkungen zum
konzeptionellen Umgang mit dem letzten Schlossbau der Hohenzollern, in: Zeitenblicke 7
(2008), Nr. 1, 05.06.2008, http://www.zeitenblicke.de/2008/1/berndt, 19.02.2009.
A memorial plaque and a bronze sculpture by the sculptor Wieland Förster titled “Nike 89”
were unveiled on the Glienicke Bridge on November 10, 1999 to commemorate the fall of the
Berlin Wall. A multi-media permanent exhibition in the Villa Schöningen titled “Spies, Wall,
Children’s Home – At the Bridge between the Worlds” opened in November 2009, providing
information on the history of the site. The multi-media exhibition focuses on the history of the
Glienicke Bridge and the role that it played during the German division. In addition to objects
and documents, computer screens are the principle medium used to present films, photographs
and texts. The most important component of the multi-media exhibition are the contemporary
witnesses who as victims, perpetrators or simply as observers, describe how they personally
experienced the events at this symbolic site of German division. The permanent exhibition on
German division and reunification is accompanied by art exhibits that also touch on these
themes, illuminating them from a different perspective. Contemporary art has thus become an
additional pillar of the Villa Schöningen.
(The exhibition “1989 – End of History or Beginning of the Future,” developed in cooperation
with Kunsthalle Wien, is currently on view.”)
European Heritage Label “Iron Curtain”
1. Exact name of the heritage site with address
Gedenkstätte Point Alpha
(Point Alpha Memorial)
Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1
36419 Geisa
2. Contact information
Uta Thofern (director)
tel.:036967596421,
e-mail: [email protected]
3. Historical significance and description of the preserved monument
Point Alpha, the former U.S. observation post, represents one of the hot spots in the Cold
War.
In the 1950s, the American armed forces established a total of four observation posts along
the border area between Herleshausen and Mellrichstadt: One near Herleshausen (autobahn
surveillance), one at Obersuhl (also autobahn surveillance), one to guard the border crossing
at Eußenhausen, and Point Alpha, initially established for surveillance of the border crossing
of the old Frankfurt/Main trading route between Rasdorf (Hesse) and Buttlar (Thuringia). In
the mid-sixties the Americans decided to expand Point Alpha because it was assumed that if
the Warsaw Pact troops were to attack a target in the Rhine-Main area, it would most likely
hit the most westward territory – the region around Point Alpha (“Fulda Gap”). In May 1972,
the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, an elite troop that had previously been deployed in
Vietnam, was transferred to Fulda, which meant to Point Alpha. The observation post was
expanded further. A steel concrete structure replaced the wooden tower and steel construction.
In 1980, after a helicopter landing site was created, the number of high-level national and
international visitors to Point Alpha increased (including various U.S. ministers and on many
occasions the mayor of Fulda). They went there to get an overview of the situation at the
inner-German border.
The American armed forces left Point Alpha in March 1990. In 1995 the former military base
including the barracks, observation tower and vehicle hangar on the grounds were placed
under historical preservation and developed into a memorial and educational site.
4. Current Programs
Today Point Alpha stands for the inseparable bond between peace and freedom in Europe,
signified by German unity achieved with democratic self-determination. No other site outside
of Berlin is better suited to convey this message than the post where the division of Germany,
Europe and the world for decades culminated in a close confrontation of two opposing power
blocs.
The museum concept for this historic site incorporates preserved and partially reconstructed
border installations from East Germany. The “House on the Border” that opened on the
Thuringia side in 2003 is also a part of the museum presentation, addressing the history of the
East German border regime and life in the restricted area. A multi-media presentation of the
Peaceful Revolution was added to the permanent exhibition and opened together with the
sculpture project “Path of Hope” on May 6, 2009. This monumental sculpture series uses the
ideas of the biblical stations of the cross to commemorate resistance against the communist
dictators of central and eastern Europe.
As a non-profit public law foundation, the Point Alpha Foundation is committed not only to
preserving and maintaining the memorial site, but also to conducting educational work. The
foundation offers events on specific topics aimed at a broad range of groups and has also
developed workshops and project days for schoolchildren and schools in cooperation with the
relevant authorities of Hesse and Thuringia. Rooms for public events and seminars as well as
simple lodging for school groups are available both at the memorial site and at the
foundation’s headquarters. Renovation of the historic district court house in Geisa is
underway, and with its completion in the spring of 2011, even more seminar and lodging
space will be available, allowing the memorial to further expand its educational programs to
include scholarly research.
In addition to focusing on the power struggle between two political systems during the Cold
War, the foundation, which was initiated and continues to be assisted by its advisory board,
plans to expand its focus to include research on the events that led up to the Peaceful
Revolution and on the contribution paid by the European neighbours.
European Heritage Label “Iron Curtain”
1. Exact name of the heritage site with address
1. Nikolaikirche (Nikolai Church), 04109 Leipzig
2. Innenstadtring (Inner-city ring road), 04109 Leipzig
3. Museum in der “Runden Ecke” (museum in the “rounded corner”), Dittrichring 24, 04109
Leipzig
2. Contact information
Stadt Leipzig, Dezernat Kultur,
Peter Matzke, Referent
Martin Luther-Ring 4-6
04109 Leipzig,
tel.: 0341 / 123 4206 / /
fax: 0341 / 123 4205
e-mail: [email protected]
3. Historical significance and description of the preserved monument
1. Founded in 1165, the Nikolai city and parish church acquired its current form when it was
rebuilt in a classical style between 1784 and 1797. With the arrival of the Reformation in
1539, it became the seat of the city’s first superintendent and thus the central church. It was in
this church that Johann Sebastian Bach began his official position in Leipzig in 1723.
A peace prayer has been conducted here every Monday since 1982. In 1989 the prayer was
followed by a rally in the churchyard; later it evolved into a demonstration around the innercity ring.
The demonstration with 70,000 people on October 9 was the decisive spark setting off the
Peaceful Revolution in the eastern part of Germany.
2. Leipzig was one of the first German cities to raze its city fortifications after the Seven
Years War (1756–1763). A promenade ring of many rows existed in the 19th century; today
the ring road encircles the entire city-centre, accompanied by landscaped gardens – Leipzig’s
important garden monument. In the fall of 1989, the Monday demonstrations led from
Augustusplatz around the entire ring road.
3. The building was built from 1911 to 1913 as the office building of the “Alte Leipziger
Feuerversicherung,” based on plans by the architect Hugo Licht. The headquarters of the
district administration for state security (Stasi secret police) was situated here from 1950 to
1989. On the evening of December 4, 1989, the building was taken over by demonstrators
attending the Monday demonstration.
4. Current Programs
1. The Nikolai Church is a lively house of worship offering many cultural programs. Peace
prayers are conducted here regularly.
2. The “inner-city ring road” is a busy traffic street. In 2009, during the Leipzig “Festival of
Lights” in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the revolution, 150,000 peopled gathered
along the ring again.
3. Since August 1990, the memorial museum in the “rounded corner” has housed the
permanent exhibition “Stasi – Power and Banality.” The building is also used by the Federal
Commissioner for the Files of the State Security Service (BstU) as a Leipzig branch office.
European Heritage Label “Iron Curtain”
1. Exact name of the heritage site with address
Former GDR border crossing point (GÜSt) at Marienborn/Autobahn
Gedenkstätte Deutsche Teilung Marienborn
(Marienborn Memorial of German Division)
An der BAB 2
39365 Marienborn
2. Contact information
Dr. Ute Hoffmann (director of the Saxony-Anhalt Memorials Foundation)
tel.: 0391/6273120
fax: 0391/6273130
e-mail: [email protected]
3. Historical significance and description of the preserved monument
The Helmstedt/Marienborn checkpoint established by the four Allies on June 30, 1945 and
given the name “Checkpoint Alpha” was the only crossing point for the western Allied forces
entering and exiting West Berlin through the Soviet zone of occupation. It developed into one
of the most important connecting points between East and West Germany. This is where the
bulk of the inner German vehicle traffic, and the inter-zonal railroad traffic, was processed. In
the early 1950s, the Soviet occupying forces handed over to the GDR control of the crossborder passenger and goods traffic with the exception of Allied military transports.
The monumental building complex was established between 1972 and 1974. Its dismal
architecture, in combination with the grey uniforms of the staff, strongly influenced the image
that West Germany associated with East Germany. For this reason the name “Marienborn”
became a verbal symbol of the country’s division in the German collective memory.
In the early nineties, before the imminent demolition of the grounds took place, it was
possible to rescue important areas of the border crossing point such as the tower, the customs
area and the passport processing area for trucks and passenger vehicles entering the GDR.
These areas were later restored in compliance with the regulations for historical monuments
and became the largest preserved historical monument of the former inner-German border.
4. Current Programs
The memorial of German division is located in the central area of the former GDR border
crossing point Marienborn/Autobahn on the A2 autobahn route. It has been run under the
auspices of the Saxony-Anhalt Memorials Foundation since 2007.
Established in 1996 as a memorial under development, the institution acquired its own
documentation and information centre in 2000. The former staff headquarters building
accommodates the permanent exhibition on the history of the border regime, and provides
space for temporary exhibitions, seminar rooms, administration and storage space, and a
reference library. In 2007 another exhibition titled “GDR Customs in Marienborn” was
displayed in the custom’s area.
The diverse educational programs offered by the memorial include guided tours in various
languages, project days for youths, and public events on specific topics. In 2004, the
Hötensleben border monument located 18 kilometres away was added to the memorial of
German division. It is considered to be the best and most expansive preserved document of
the inner-German fortifications.
The association “Grenzenlos – Wege zum Nachbarn e.V.” offers year-round excursions from
the Marienborn memorial to the Hötensleben border monument and to the Helmstedt zone
border museum in Lower Saxony. In 2009, the memorial had 190,000 visitors from Germany
and abroad, more than ever before.
European Heritage Label “Iron Curtain”
1. Exact name of the heritage site with address
Ehemaliger DDR-Grenzübergang Duderstadt –
(Former GDR border crossing Duderstadt)
Worbis an der B 247 in Teistungen/Thüringen
Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld
(Eichsfeld Borderland Museum)
Duderstädter Str. 5
37339 Teistungen
2. Contact information
Paul Schneegans, managing director of the association “Grenzlandmuseum Eichsfeld e. V.”
tel.: 036071-900011,
fax: 036071-900019
e-mail: [email protected]
3. Historical significance and description of the preserved monument
In accordance with the “Basic Treaty,” the Duderstadt/Worbis border crossing was opened for
“traffic near the border” on June 21, 1973. More than 5 million travellers were registered here
by the end of 1989, making this border crossing – not including the transit crossings – the
most highly frequented street border crossing.
The processing grounds were continually expanded and developed from the time of its
opening in 1973 until spring 1990. The most important expansion measure entailed the
construction of a large, rectangular, concrete building in 1988. Completed in summer 1989, it
was supposed to serve as a customs administration building and be used for processing bus
tourists. A bit later construction also began on a cafeteria building for the staff of the GDR
border troops. It too was completed before reunification, but never used.
The local politicians of the Teistungen/Thuringia municipality and the city of
Duderstadt/Lower Saxony, on whose territory the crossing was situated, agreed soon after the
Berlin Wall fell that the grounds should be preserved as much as possible and used for
documentation. This early decision made it possible to preserve the western section of the
border crossing – in particular the customs administration and cafeteria buildings – and to
prevent approximately 1.1 kilometres of border fortifications situated southwest of the B247
from being demolished and dismantled. About 300 meters of border fortifications have been
preserved in their entirety.
4. Current Programs
The Eichsfeld Borderland Museum opened in the buildings of the former crossing in 1995.
The museum encompasses all the preserved buildings and the “Grenzlandweg,” a 4.8 km long
trail on both sides of the former border with signs providing visitor information. Since its
opening, almost 830,000 people have visited the museum and the border trail,” including
54,000 who came just in the year 2009. Tours are offered through the museum and along the
border trail. The exhibition is currently being redesigned with funds provided by the federal
government and the states of Lower Saxony and Thuringia.
Following renovations, an education centre opened in the former cafeteria building at the
Eichsfeld Borderland Museum in 2000. Its programs include approximately 50 seminars and
various special events such as narrative cafés and author readings. The main focus is on the
GDR past and democracy in Germany. Another special subject is the “Grünes Band” (green
band). Almost 9 kilometres of border strip were placed under nature conservation in the area
near the museum, making it possible to address historical, political and ecological issues
together from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Seminars can also be booked on this subject.