75 Years Freedom Bell in Berlin 1950 - 2025

„That this world under God shall have a new birth of freedom.“

Inscription around the Berlin Freedom Bell

On October 24, 1950, the Freedom Bell rang for the first time in the tower of Schöneberg Town Hall. For 75 years now, it has been a symbol of a free city, a sign of peace and hope – and rings out every day in the spirit of freedom.

The Tempelhof-Schöneberg district office celebrated the 75th anniversary with an anniversary event on John-F.-Kennedy-Platz in front of Schöneberg Town Hall. The highlight of the event was a light installation and a replica of the Freedom Bell, the mobile centerpiece of Berlin Freedom Week 2025.

In addition, the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district office published a brochure in German and English dealing with the history of the Freedom Bell, its symbolism, and its individual significance for the citizens of Berlin.

In addition to a welcome message from District Mayor Jörn Oltmann, the brochure contains contributions from Dr. Andreas Etges (LMU Munich), Andreas Baudisch (art historian and photographer), and David E. Barclay (historian and author). In their texts, they provide insights into the history of the Freedom Bell and its symbolic power, especially during the Cold War.

Excerpts from the brochure "75 Years Freedom Bell in Berlin 1950-2025"

• Greeting by District Mayor
• Three Questions for …
  Dr. Andreas Etges
• The history of the Berlin Freedom Bell
  Andreas Baudisch
• After 75 Years: The Freedom Bell as Cold War Symbol
  David E. Barclay, PhD

• The complete brochure as a PDF download

Editor:

• Bezirksamt Tempelhof-Schöneberg von Berlin
  Organisationseinheit Pressestelle und Veranstaltungsmanagement

Download the complete brochure as a PDF file

• 75 Years Freedom Bell in Berlin 1950-2025

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