Revolution Stelea

Revolution Stelea in Berlin

The Peaceful Revolution of 1989/90 was a complex process involving many different individuals and happening at the same time in many parts of the GDR. 18 Revolution Stelae will encourage visitors to reflect on the drastic changes in Berlin’s society at the historical sites of the revolution. In pictures, multilingual audio documents and explanatory texts, the stelae inform visitors about the moving events in Berlin, between the protests against the rigged local elections in May 1989 and the Day of German Unity on 3 October 1990. They also remind us of the achievements of the revolution and the joy at overcoming the East German dictatorship by peaceful means.

The Revolution Stelae mark buildings, public places or residential areas in the East and the West of Berlin that played an important role for the Peaceful Revolution. They tell stories of persecution and opposition, of escape, solidarity networks, self-determined actions and the vain attempts of the authorities to hold back the new protest movement with violence. But they also present the wide range of support from the West of the city. The focus is on the individuals involved at the time – the courageous people whose resolute actions ultimately toppled the East German regime.


The Revolution Stelae will be a permanent feature of the cityscape. This website presents upcoming unveiling ceremonies, further information, documents, reports from contemporary witnesses, suggested routes and publication tips. It is well worth visiting the sites of the revolution already: the book Orte der Friedlichen Revolution (in German only) by Martin Jander accompanies you around the sites with informative texts, contemporary and historical photos.