The Brandenburg Gate

1. The Gate’s 225th Birthday

At the celebration of the 225th anniversary of the Brandenburg Gate’s construction in August 2016, Monika Grütters, at that time the Federal Minister for Culture and Media, summarized its symbolic meanings: “The Brandenburg Gate shines again in its original, in its grand form – and has become the symbol for Germany and the world. It has become the symbol for the brutal fractures in our history, for ideology, war, destruction, for the division of the world. But even more so it is once again what it should have been from the beginning: a symbol for unity, freedom and peace.”

  • What else does the Gate symbolize? Are there ideas that Monika Grütters has overlooked?
  • What kind of unity does the Brandenburg Gate symbolize?
  • Do you agree with the sentiment expressed in this quote? Why? Why not?

2. Commemorating the Fall of the Wall

Every year on November 9, people gather at the Brandenburg Gate to celebrate the Fall of the Wall and the reopening of the Gate. There is a celebration with music, speeches, and fireworks every year. On larger anniversaries, the event is typically marked by an even larger celebration centered around an art installation. As you watch the videos from the 20th, 25th, and 30th anniversary, consider what each of these celebrations has in common.

20th Anniversary -Dominoes
25th Anniversary Lichtgrenze

30th Anniversary: Visions in Motion

  • Select one of the commemorations, describe the art installation and interpret its symbolism?
  • What are some common themes in the commemorations of the fall of the Berlin Wall?
  • How do these commemorations involve people in Berlin, Germany, Europe, and the World in the celebration?

3. Lights of Freedom

This 3D-light projection on the Brandenburg Gate presents a condensed history of the Cold War in Berlin. It was created in 2019 as part of the Festival of Lights and helped mark the 30th anniversary of the end of the Cold War.

  • Which moments in the history of divided Germany are included? Which voices can you identify?
  • Were any aspects from this history omitted from the video projection? What should have been included?
  • What other buildings and places in Berlin are evoked through the imagery?
  • How is the space of the Gate used in the projection? Which elements of the Gate are most effectively used to show this history? Describe the visual elements that stood out to you most vividly.