Since the Peaceful Revolution of 1989, Prenzlauer Berg has undergone fundamental change. As a neighbourhood, it epitomises many trends and stereotypes: freedom and opposition, art and creativity, a working-class district and ‘Bionade Biedermeier’, old buildings and gentrification.
Image gallery
Bezirksmuseum Pankow
All of this converges on the theme of housing. Housing is a fundamental need. It offers protection and security, shapes everyday life and fosters a sense of community. At the same time, Prenzlauer Berg in particular illustrates the lasting consequences of housing and property policy decisions made both before and after 1989, which continue to be felt today. Buildings, flats and their residents have undergone profound changes amidst shifting political and economic conditions.
The issues at stake include rents and home ownership, displacement and distribution, but also differing ideas about how people wish to live and coexist. The consequences of this transformation are still the subject of intense debate today.
Using five locations as examples, the exhibition tells the story of buildings and their communities. It shows how political decisions, personal initiative and social conflicts have transformed housing and continue to do so to this day.
A project by the Berliner Geschichtsverein Nord-Ost e.V. in cooperation with the Museum Pankow
Funded by the Federal Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship
Additional information
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00 – 18.00
- Closed on public holidays
Free admission
Sebastian Haffner Cultural and Educational Centre, Room 108, Prenzlauer Allee 227/228, 10405 Berlin