Moments of the End and the New Beginning
To mark the 81st anniversary of the end of the war, the photo exhibition “Berlin 1945 – Moments of the End and the New Beginning” explores this defining event in German and European history, presenting rare, previously unpublished photographs and documents from the archive of historian and author Robert Kraska.
Image gallery
Unter den Linden
In May 1945, Berlin lies in ruins, and smoke rises above the ruins of the once magnificent, now destroyed city.
On the path to peace, tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians lose their lives. Here in Berlin, where World War II began in Europe, it comes to an end, and life begins anew amidst the rubble.
The carefully selected photographs document not only the destruction of Berlin and the dramatic battles, but also the impact of the war’s end on the city and its inhabitants, as well as the awakening of new life in the streets. The documents on display—eyewitness accounts, maps, orders, and letters—shed light on individual fates and bring personal experiences to life. In this way, the exhibition offers a deep and unfiltered insight into the final act of World War II in Europe.
Languages
German/English
Additional information
Accessibility
The venue is not wheelchair accessible, and there are no restrooms.
Dates
May 2026
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