The Forum of Contemporary History Leipzig, centrally located in the heart of Leipzig, not far from the historic Square of the Peaceful Revolution, is more than just a museum. It is a cultural institution dedicated to the reappraisal and presentation of German history after 1945.
This institution plays a crucial role in keeping alive the memory of the division of Germany, the experiences of GDR citizens and the achievements of the peaceful revolution and making them understandable for visitors who did not experience it.
Sculpture “Der Jahrhundertschritt” – An artistic statement at the entrance
But before we enter the museum, we stand directly in front of the museum entrance in front of a sculpture that doesn’t really appeal to me at first glance, as I don’t really recognize what the artist wants to express.
The sculpture “Der Jahrhundertschritt” is a bronze sculpture by Wolfgang Mattheuer from 1984. It shows a figure with four limbs pointing in different directions. The right hand is stretched out in a Hitler salute, while the left hand is clenched into a proletarian fist. A red ribbon on the left arm symbolizes the working class. The artist has deliberately chosen the two greeting gestures to symbolize the two dictatorships, National Socialism and Communism, trapped in one distorted body. The small head, which is almost completely and shelteringly contained in the chest, illustrates the preference of the physical over the spiritual.
With this sculpture, Mattheuer wanted to capture the insecurity and inner turmoil of our time and reminds us not to forget the values of democracy and freedom.
Visit to the exhibition: A journey through German history
The Forum of Contemporary History Leipzig is housed in a modern building that was specially designed for the purposes of the Forum. In the entrance area there are lockers for jackets and bags and the information desk. The permanent exhibition “Our History. Dictatorship and Democracy after 1945” is located on the 2nd floor and is easily accessible by elevator.
The permanent exhibition at the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum highlights four main eras: the post-war period, the GDR, the peaceful revolution and reunification.
I was surprised at how many Leipzig visitors were in the exhibition rooms that day and, above all, how interested the visitors were in the topics of the exhibition. The exhibition is designed to be interactive and offers visitors an interesting look at the period. A variety of media and exhibits, including photographs, documents, film and sound recordings as well as everyday objects, impressively illustrate the events. I particularly liked the fact that the content and descriptions of the exhibits could also be read in English.
Insights
The tour of the Leipzig Forum of Contemporary History begins with the period after the Second World War. The focus is on the events that took place in the later territory of the GDR. For example, communist activists destroyed a monument to Bismarck in order to destroy memories of the German Reich. The head is symbolic of the many works of art destroyed during this period.
Various topics are examined, such as: “Why did the GDR come into being?” One of the central exhibits is the conference table of Pieck, the President of the GDR. A number of decisions were made at this table that shaped future life in the GDR.
Another central topic is the question “What was life like in the GDR?” Various aspects are addressed here, such as dealing with the press and the role of women in society.
The topic of the Monday demonstrations in Leipzig was particularly exciting for me. These had a decisive influence on political developments from 1989 onwards and therefore also on life in Leipzig.
A museum that touches and educates
The Forum of Contemporary History Leipzig is a place that not only informs, but also touches people emotionally. It offers a comprehensive examination of recent German history and enables visitors to understand historical events in a personal way. Anyone with an interest in Germany’s post-war history and who wants to understand the importance of democracy and freedom should visit this museum. It is an experience that both expands your knowledge and reaches your heart, especially if you are a part of this history as I am.
Visitor information
Address
Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig
Grimmaische Straße 6
04109 Leipzig
How to find us
Streetcar
all lines
Stops Augustusplatz, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz, Thomaskirche, main station
bus
Line 89 to the Markt stop
S-Bahn
Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5X to the Markt stop
Parking
Paid parking is available in the following parking garages:
Parking garage “Am Neumarkt”
Augustusplatz” parking garage
Burgplatz/Petersbogen” parking garage
Parking garage “Marktgalerie”
Parking garages “Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Ost/West”
Opening hours
Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10 am – 6 pm
Monday: closed
Entrance fee
free
Accessibility
The permanent exhibition on the 2nd floor and the rooms of the special exhibition on the 3rd floor are accessible by elevator.
There is a toilet for people with disabilities on the 3rd floor. There are no toilets in the area of the permanent exhibition on the 2nd floor.
Wheelchairs, walking frames, walking aids or portable stools can be borrowed from the information desk. There is an audio guide in German sign language
Assistance dogs are allowed in the museum and in the exhibitions.
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