The Vorderasiatisches Museum was the only branch of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin that was located exclusively in East Berlin. How the “collectively run” Vorderasiatisches Museum carried out its functions in the areas of collecting, preserving, researching, exhibiting and educating is the subject of this special presentation in the Pergamonmuseum, marking the 30th anniversary of the reunification of Berlin’s museums on 1 January 2022. 

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the reunification of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin and West Berlin’s museums of the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz on 1 January 2022, the Vorderasiatisches Museum will examine its recent past to enquire into the role of the museum in East German society, and of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin as a whole. How was the museum integrated into the international research community? Which special exhibitions were held in Germany and abroad, and how was the work of the museum’s educational service organised? As integral elements of Berlin’s urban history, the voices and memories of museum visitors will also be incorporated into the exhibition. 

The Role of Museums in East German Society 

The role of museums in East German society and in historical and political education has so far only received marginal attention in efforts to work through the legacy of the SED dictatorship. Even 30 years after reunification, the image of the “Wall” is still frequently invoked in  comparisons between East and West. Does this also apply to the museum contexts on either side of the Wall? What were their respective standards in restoration and museum education, and which ones prevailed? Drawing on the Vorderasiatisches Museum as an example, we will show how the institution and its staff operated in the GDR. 

Fascinating Archival Material, Photographs, Film Clips and Original Objects 

This much is certain: the museum’s work bore no resemblance to the images of history shaped by spy and Stasi films. Nor did the museum have any need to fear international comparisons: it organised spectacular events for visitors, its research was on a par with that of international colleagues, and its special exhibitions were shown both at home and abroad. The special presentation brings to light this exciting yet little-known chapter with the help of select archival material, photographs, film clips, and numerous original objects. 

The exhibition is made possible by the Freunde der Antike auf der Museumsinsel Berlin e.V. 

A special exhibition of the Vorderasiatisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.