Beyond the Berlin Wall: Daily Life in East Germany Captured by Unique Museum Showpieces

Thirty years ago, the Berlin Wall fell; the elimination of the barrier, which split the western and eastern parts of the city both physically and ideologically, paved the way for the reunification of the country. And even though East Germany as a separate state does not exist anymore, its legacy remains preserved in museums.

The ninth of November marks the 30th anniversary of the demolition of the Berlin Wall, which was erected in 1961.

The 155-kilometre barrier cut off West Berlin from the German Democratic Republic and was often regarded as a physical manifestation of Churchill's rhetorical "iron curtain", separating West Berlin from the surrounding German Democratic Republic (East Germany) during the cold war.

The physical demolition of the wall officially began on 13 June 1990 and was completed by November 1991.

Sputnik has prepared a photo gallery for you to dive into the atmosphere of East Germany.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

Members of the youth organisation Jungpioniere are displayed at the GDR-Museum in Pirna; picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

A sign is displayed at the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; the words read: Welcome to German Democratic Republic. Picture taken 16 October 2019

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

People visit the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

Liqueur is displayed in the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

A People's Police officer is displayed at the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

A kindergarten is displayed in the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

Banners of the youth organisations Jungpioniere and FDJ and a picture of GDR leader Walter Ulbricht are displayed at the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

A man visits the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany, October 16, 2019; picture taken 16 October 2019 REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

A living room is displayed in the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

A room with baby carriages is displayed in the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

A sign is displayed in the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany, October 16, 2019. Picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

Sandmann figures are displayed in the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

A bedroom is displayed at the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

GDR money is displayed in the GDR-Museum in Pirna, Germany; picture taken 16 October 2019.

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© REUTERS / Hannibal Hanschke

Kitchen items are displayed in a GDR museum flat in Berlin, Germany; picture taken 17 October 2019.