Current language: English

"Erinnerungen an den 13. August 1961" am Brandenburger Tor

Date details

Map

End of map.

Public transportation

"Memories of August 13, 1961" at the Brandenburg Gate

Conversation with Annette von Broecker & Jörg Hildebrandt, Monika Waack

What did the construction of the Wall mean for those who experienced it firsthand? How did they perceive August 13, 1961? And what specific consequences did the Berlin Wall have for them? At the Brandenburg Gate, eyewitnesses share insights into their personal memories—from the first days of the Wall’s construction to the opening of the border in November 1989. Their accounts offer diverse perspectives on the division of Germany: from a child’s perspective and journalistic observations to experiences of repression in the GDR and stories of escape. These memories make it clear that while the Berlin Wall served a clear political function, it held different meanings for people and shaped their lives in many ways. This discussion focuses on the eyewitnesses’ memories of August 13, 1961, as well as the period immediately before and after.

Jörg Hildebrandt, born in 1939, lived with his family in East Berlin near the sector border on Bernauer Straße, where his father was the pastor of the Versöhnungsgemeinde. After graduating from high school, Jörg Hildebrandt studied at the Free University of Berlin—until this became impossible due to the construction of the Berlin Wall on August 13, 1961. In October, his family was forced to leave their apartment in the border area on Bernauer Strasse.

Monika Waack, born in 1949, grew up in East Germany near the city border with West Berlin. Her father crossed the border daily on his way to work, and Monika Waack also attended school in West Berlin. In the early 1950s, her father was pressured to find a job in the GDR. In 1953, Monika had to transfer to a school in Mahlow (GDR). The political changes ultimately led the family to flee the GDR in 1956. The family witnessed the construction of the Berlin Wall while in West Berlin.

Annette von Broecker was working for the Reuters news agency in West Berlin at the time the Wall was built.

This event is part of the special program marking the 65th anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall.
Funded by the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media and the LOTTO Foundation Berlin

More information: mauerbau65.berlinTranslated with DeepL

Meeting point: Platz des 18. März at the Brandenburg Gate, 10117 Berlin

Alternative events

© dpa

Kreuzberg Tour: Kriminell und kuschelig

Auf dieser Stadtführung der besonderen Art werfen Interessierte einen Blick hinter die Fassaden von Kreuzberg, dem internationalen Hotspot für den Berliner Lifestyle. moreabout: Kreuzberg Tour: Kriminell und kuschelig

Next date:
Kreuzberg Tour - kriminell & kuschelig
Date:
Thursday, 13/August/2026 19:00 (183 more dates)
Venue:
U-Bahn-Station Kottbusser Tor. Casino 36
Address:
Reichenberger Straße 174, 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Price:
from €27.10
Order online

© Eventim

Food Tour durch Berlin-Mitte

In familiärer Atmosphäre flanieren Sie bei dieser Tour durch den Stadtteil Mitte und begegnen an fast jeder Straßenecke zum Teil haarsträubenden Geschichten. Diese werden vom Guide in bekömmlichen Häppchen gereicht - und wenn der Hunger kommt, wird eingekehrt. moreabout: Food Tour durch Berlin-Mitte

Next date:
XFood Tour - Berlin Mitte
Date:
Friday, 14/August/2026 11:30 (183 more dates)
Venue:
Barachel Café
Address:
Rosenthaler Straße 51, 10178 Berlin-Mitte
Price:
from €59.61
Order online

© dpa

Food Tour: Kreuzberg culinary

On this tour, you will discover the most important places and the biggest scandals of Kreuzberg. Be part of a 3-hour guided tour with exciting insider stories and make five culinary stops, each with an international or local delicacy. moreabout: Food Tour: Kreuzberg culinary

Next date:
XFood Tour - Kreuzberg kulinarisch
Date:
Friday, 14/August/2026 15:30 (183 more dates)
Venue:
vor dem Casino 36, am U-Bahnhof Kottbusser Tor
Address:
Reichenberger Straße 174, 10999 Berlin-Kreuzberg
Price:
from €59.61
Order online

Show more events in the category "Bildung & Vorträge"…

The help page for the event calendar answers common questions.. Information about coperations and imprint can be found on our page about partners and terms and conditions.

Zum Seitenanfang