Authors: Breanne Herrmann
Mentors: Paul Stavast
Insitution: Brigham Young University
The construction and preservation of the Berlin Wall in 20th century Germany has perpetuated a social legacy perceived differently in various countries. Although the historical facts are unchangeable, their representation by institutions in each country varies and reveals their unique participation with the German Democratic Republic. This paper analyzes the portrayal of the Berlin Wall and surrounding GDR events in museums in both Berlin, Germany and American cities. Die Mauer, The Wall museum at Leipziger Platz in Berlin serves as a model of the German perspective. Its focus on the logistics of the Berlin Wall and the social impact in Germany and surrounding satellite countries is compared to the portrayal in American museums, which assume a more general approach of the Berlin Wall as a symbol of greater political struggles. This includes a consideration of locations of museums in America as well as information presented in the exhibits. Identifying differences between museums in these two countries provides insight into the experience of each during the GDR period and subsequent social perceptions of the Berlin Wall's history.