Berlin East Side Gallery: A Must-See in 2024

Is the Berlin East Side Gallery Worth Seeing

If you’re wondering whether Berlin East Galley is worth a visit, well, let me assure you that this gem deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

So, what exactly is the East Side Gallery in Berlin? Well, imagine a 1.3 km long open-air art gallery stretching along the remnants of the infamous Berlin Wall. It’s where history meets creativity in the most spectacular way possible.

The gallery runs parallel to the Spree River, offering picturesque views and opportunities for strolls along the waterfront. A perfect way to spend a Sunday in Berlin and a very popular thing to do is to visit a nearby flea market like Ostbahnhof and find a good spot for Berlin breakfast.

Now, why should you make your way to this unique spot in Berlin? Let me count the ways:

1. Dive into History: The East Berlin Gallery offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Germany’s tumultuous past. As you stroll along this living monument of freedom and unity, you’ll witness powerful murals depicting hopes, dreams, and struggles during the Cold War era.
2. Artistic Awesomeness: Calling all art enthusiasts! Prepare to be blown away by over 100 captivating and thought-provoking artworks created by artists from around the globe. Each mural tells its own story – some political, some whimsical – but all undeniably impressive.
3. Instagrammable Moments: Let’s face it; we all love capturing those picture-perfect moments for our social media feeds. Well, get ready because the East Side Gallery is practically begging to be photographed! From vibrant colours to striking imagery against a historical backdrop – your camera roll will thank you.
4. Quirky Surroundings: As if the stunning artwork weren’t enough reason to visit, surrounding areas offer their unique charm too. You’ll find trendy bars and cafes where locals gather for drinks or delicious meals after exploring the gallery. So why not extend your visit with some local neighbourhood favourites?
5. Open-Air Escape: Need a break from indoor museums and attractions or is it a beautiful day? The Berlin Wall Gallery is the perfect outdoor escape. Stroll along the Spree River, taking in the city’s energy while being surrounded by fascinating history. Oh, and the best part, this is a free museum.

2. Walls Across the World by Alexei Taranin

This scene of “Mauern International” (walls across the world) depicts scenes of walls in different countries- Moscow, China, Everywhere and Berlin. What I like about this one is it resembles artwork that you might see in a children’s book. Not shown in my photo is a cat sleeping and a rabbit in a rocking chair.

3. Everything Open by Rosemarie Schinzler

This submission to the Berlin Wall gallery is by a German artist called “Alles offen” and is meant to represent the sense of leaving the past behind and entering into the unknown after the Berlin Wall fell.

4. Worlds People by Shamil Gimayev

Worlds People, or Wir sind ein Volk is the longest art mural in the Gallery. Take your time on this one as you can see countless abstract faces, buildings, and phrases that have been woven amongst the patterns. 

5. The Wall Jumper by Gabriel Heimler

This art mural is meant to address the possibility of overcoming borders. But it might also represent the artist’s personal experience of living in multiple locations, having grown up in France, studying in East Berlin and working in West Berlin.

7. Tribute to the Young Generation by Thierry Noir

The vivid and playful display of abstract faces and vibrant colours is meant to symbolize the spirit of youthful rebellion and creativity that helped shape the city of Berlin. This mural is one of the longest and shows the repetition of these faces about 13 times.

8. Test the Rest by Birgit Kinder

Is a whimsical and thought-provoking piece that shows a Trabant car, the iconic symbol of East Germany, breaking through the Wall. It’s meant to represent the desire for freedom and change during that moment in history. But I think the colours simply won me over!

9. Hands, Sky and Seeker, Joint Venture by Margaret Hunter and Peter Russell

Two Scotish artists have 3 art murals side-by-side. The first one is a collaboration, and then they each have one individually.

Represents a striking visual of two hands reaching out to each other across the remnants of the Berlin Wall, encapsulating the universal longing for connection and unity.

Is meant to show Western consumer products in a shop window showing how the West had such a commercialized lifestyle compared to the East.

These two large horizontal faces lie side by side and are meant to represent the communication lines between them.

10. It Happened In November by Kani Alavi

“Es geschah im November” captures the events of November 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall finally came down, ending decades of division in the city.

11. Doin’ it Cool for the East Side by Jim Avignon

Is meant to represent the celebration that occurred after the Berlin Wall fell. And its vivid colours and life exude a party is happening! You can’t help but feel good when you look at this one!

12. Untitled by Peter Lorenz

This piece of abstract painting represents the fall of the Wall and chaotic scenes in the coming days along with the rebirth. What caught my attention was the flags of the nations involved in reunification – Germany, Russia, and the United States.

13. Tolerance by Mary MacKey

This art mural has a timeless message of tolerance. The aspiration of open-mindedness towards people with different backgrounds. If you think it is similar to Thierry Noir’s heads (no. 7) you’re right as the artist took inspiration from his signature artwork.

14. Amnesty International in DDR by Andrej Smolak

I loved the message of this art mural as it pays tribute to the work of the human rights organization that helped political prisoners in East Germany. There are so many symbols in just this one piece: from the ball at the end of the chain that turns into a rose to the dove, sun and prisoner’s hand holding up the peace sign.

How to Get to East Side Gallery

The East Side Gallery Berlin location runs parallel to the Spree along Mühlenstraße between Ostbahnhof and Oberbaumbrücke. 

📍 East Side Gallery address: Mühlenstraße 3-100

If you are not within walking distance, here’s how you can get there:

• 🚇Take the train to either Ostbahnhof (S-Bahn) or Warschauer Straße (U-Bahn) station
• 🚌Take the bus, line 248 and get off at East Side Gallery or Tamara-Danz-Straße
• 🚲Rent a bike or e-scooter from anywhere in the city

East Side Gallery Berlin Opening Hours

You can visit the East Side Gallery at any time of day or night, as it is an outdoor attraction that is always open to the public and it’s free.

To fully appreciate the artwork at its best without huge crowds, consider visiting in the morning or during weekdays when it tends to be less crowded. You’ll have plenty of time to soak up each mural’s profound message while capturing those Instagram-worthy shots.

Things to Do Near East Side Gallery

1. Oberbaum Bridge: Take a stroll across the iconic Oberbaum Bridge, a picturesque double-deck bridge that connects the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.
2. East Side Mall: Explore the East Side Mall, a modern shopping complex with a variety of shops, restaurants, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the Spree River.
3. The Wall Museum: Learn more about the history of the Berlin Wall, the GDR and the Cold War through exhibits and multimedia presentations. Check opening hours and book online to save 2,50€ on your ticket price.
4. RAW-Gelände: Visit the RAW-Gelände, a cultural and creative space known for its street art, clubs, bars, and alternative events and the nearby Urban Spree, an artsy space with galleries and street art.
5. Treptower Park: Relax in Treptower Park, a serene green space along the Spree River, featuring beautiful gardens, a Soviet War Memorial, and a riverside beach.
6. Kreuzberg Neighbourhood: Explore the eclectic Kreuzberg neighbourhood, known for its multicultural atmosphere, street food, and unique boutiques.
7. Molecule Man Sculpture: Admire the Molecule Man sculpture in the Spree River, an intriguing artwork symbolizing unity.
8. Görlitzer Park: Explore Görlitzer Park, a lively park in Kreuzberg known for its diverse community, food vendors, and cultural events.