International Museum Day in Marienfelde

Under the motto “Arrival – Sounds and Voices That Connect,” the theme of arrival and new beginnings takes center stage—key experiences for both refugees from the division of Germany and for people arriving in Berlin today.

Music, voices, and shared conversation serve as connecting elements. The event combines exhibitions, personal encounters, and musical moments to invite visitors to reflect on hope, home, and arrival.

Program

Language Café Table “Bella Ciao, Ciao, Ciao!” 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Visitors are invited to experience the spirit of the Memorial’s Language Café and take a seat together at a large table.

Over coffee, snacks, and conversation, they will collect songs of hope from around the world: Which songs give people strength? Which music evokes the feeling of setting out or arriving? Which songs connect people across borders? Selected songs will be listened to or played together. This will create an open collection of international songs of hope.

Guided Tour “A Stroll Around” 1:00 PM

A tour of the grounds of the former reception center provides an overview of the site’s history and the experiences of the people who arrived here.

Guided Tour “Flight in a Divided Germany” 2:30 PM

The tour sheds light on the refugee movements from the GDR and the role of the Marienfelde emergency reception camp as the first stop in the West.

Live music on the forecourt

Atmospheric handpan sounds accompany the event day on the forecourt. The music creates an open and peaceful space to arrive, listen, and linger.

Video installation “New Home”

The music video “New Home” is presented as an installation in the permanent exhibition. It explores themes of arrival, hope, and new beginnings, connecting the historical experiences of the site with contemporary perspectives.